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Landmine Blast Sparks Diplomatic Crisis between Thailand and Cambodia

Strategic Insights

— 2 min read

Tensions between Thailand and Cambodia escalated after a landmine exploded near the Chong An Ma border crossing in Ubon Ratchathani, injuring five Thai soldiers, including one who lost a leg. Thailand blamed Cambodia for planting Russian-made PMN-2 anti-personnel mines, citing a breach of the Ottawa Treaty, which both countries signed. In response, Thailand withdrew its ambassador, expelled Cambodia's top diplomat, and severed diplomatic contact. The incident has reignited an old border dispute, sparking a crisis at home, and has weakened Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra's government.

Key Takeaways:

  • The landmine explosion occurred on July 23, 2025, near the Chong An Ma border crossing in Ubon Ratchathani, injuring five Thai soldiers.
  • Thailand accuses Cambodia of planting Russian-made PMN-2 anti-personnel mines, citing a breach of the Ottawa Treaty.
  • Thailand has withdrawn its ambassador, expelled Cambodia's top diplomat, and severed diplomatic contact.
  • The incident has reignited an old border dispute, sparking a crisis at home, and has weakened Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra's government.
  • Cambodia denies planting the mines, but acknowledges old mines and unexploded bombs remain from past conflicts in the disputed area.
  • The Thai government is collecting evidence, including video of a Cambodian soldier laying a TM-57 mine, and asking international partners for support.
  • Thailand has stepped up mine clearance, tightened border checks, and is considering trade restrictions targeting Cambodia's suspected illegal activity networks.
  • The diplomatic breakdown has stalled economic activities, with Cambodia banning Thai-produced fuel, gas, and farm goods, and Thailand closing key crossings.

Statistics:

  • Five Thai soldiers were injured, including one who lost a leg, in the landmine explosion on July 23, 2025.
  • Thailand accuses Cambodia of planting 100 Russian-made PMN-2 anti-personnel mines in the disputed area.
  • The Ottawa Treaty, signed by both countries, bans the use of anti-personnel mines.
  • Thailand's trade surplus with Cambodia was $3 billion in 2024.
  • Cambodia has banned Thai-produced fuel, gas, and farm goods, worth an estimated $1 billion.
  • Thailand has closed key crossings in Ubon Ratchathani, Surin, Buriram, and nearby provinces, impacting local economies.

Sources:

  • A news article published on July 24, 2025, in the Thai newspaper, Bangkok Post.
  • A statement issued by the Thai Ministry of Foreign Affairs on July 24, 2025.
  • A report by the Cambodian Mine Action and Victim Assistance Authority on July 25, 2025.
  • A statement by Cambodia's Foreign Ministry on July 25, 2025.
  • A news article published on July 26, 2025, in the Cambodian newspaper, Khmer Times.
  • A statement by the Royal Thai Army on July 27, 2025.

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