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Soldiers

Landmine Explosion Reignites Border Tensions Between Thailand and Cambodia

Strategic Insights

— 2 min read

A landmine explosion on July 15, 2025, injured three Thai soldiers, with one in critical condition, reigniting long-standing border tensions between Thailand and Cambodia. The blast, which occurred in the Chong Bok area of Ubon Ratchathani province, has sparked accusations of mine-laying by Cambodian troops. Thai officials claim the mines were Russian-made PMN-2 anti-personnel devices, while Cambodia denies the allegations.

Key Takeaways:

  • Three Thai soldiers were injured in a landmine explosion on July 15, 2025, with one in critical condition. Private First Class Thanapat Huiwan, 21, lost his left leg, while Sergeant Patipat Srilasak suffered chest pain from the blast, and Private Thanapat Huaiwan received shrapnel wounds in his left knee and right leg.
  • The Thai military believes that Cambodian troops recently placed the Russian-made PMN-2 anti-personnel mines in the area, which is disputed between the two countries.
  • Four more PMN-2 mines were found nearby, raising concerns about new mine-laying in the region. The mines were designed by the Soviet Union in the late 1970s and are triggered by pressure.
  • The Thai government has increased security in the area and called for Cambodia's help in finding who planted the mines.
  • Cambodia's Senate President Hun Sen has accused Thailand of trespassing and has threatened to bring the dispute to the International Court of Justice (ICJ).
  • The mine blast has worsened a longstanding border dispute between Thailand and Cambodia, with both sides accusing each other of crossing the border.
  • The Thai army has stepped up its presence at the border, and Deputy Defence Minister General Nattaphon Nakpanich visited the wounded soldiers.
  • The use of PMN-2 mines raises concerns about possible treaty breaches or the actions of groups outside government control.

Statistics:

  • 3 Thai soldiers were injured in the landmine explosion, with 1 in critical condition.
  • 4 more PMN-2 mines were found nearby, in addition to the mine that exploded.
  • The PMN-2 mine weighs 12 centimeters wide and 5 centimeters tall, is mostly made of plastic, and carries a 100-gram TNT charge.
  • 5 to 15 kilograms of pressure can cause severe injuries, as seen with Private Huiwan's loss.
  • Between four and six million unexploded devices remain in Cambodia.
  • Groups like APOPO have cleared more than 1.1 million mines since 1992.

Sources:

  • "Three Thai soldiers injured by landmine near Cambodian border," BBC News, July 15, 2025.
  • "Thai-Cambodian border tensions rise after landmine explosion," The Bangkok Post, July 16, 2025.
  • "Cambodia denies laying landmines on Thai border," Reuters, July 17, 2025.
  • "Thai military finds more landmines near border with Cambodia," The Guardian, July 18, 2025.
  • "Cambodian leader threatens to take border dispute to International Court," Al Jazeera, July 20, 2025.

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