Royal Thai Army to Lodge Formal Protest Against Cambodia Following Landmine Explosion

Strategic Insights -

A landmine explosion that severely injured a Thai soldier in Surin province has been described as a provocative act and a clear violation of the ceasefire agreement. The incident occurred when an army sergeant stepped on the landmine while patrolling the Jub Ta Moke pass, an area regularly monitored by Thai troops. The Royal Thai Army (RTA) is set to file an official protest against Cambodia, citing the country's involvement in laying the landmine. The RTA is urging the government to take immediate action and is considering changing its patrolling methods to prevent further injuries.

Key Takeaways:

  • The Royal Thai Army will lodge a formal protest against Cambodia for the landmine explosion that severely injured a Thai soldier in Surin province.
  • The blast occurred inside Thai territory, about one kilometre from Prasat Ta Muen Thom in Surin's Phanom Dong Rak district.
  • Second Army Area commander Lt Gen Boonsin Padklang described the incident as a "provocative act" and a clear violation of the ceasefire agreement.
  • An army sergeant was seriously injured when he stepped on the landmine while patrolling the Jub Ta Moke pass.
  • Lt Gen Boonsin alleged that Cambodian forces planted the mine during their withdrawal from Thai territory.
  • The Second Army Area had reported the incident to the government, and the Army commander-in-chief, Gen Pana Klaewplodthuk, had urgently requested details to support the protest against Cambodia.
  • The issue will be raised during the next Regional Border Committee meeting.
  • Boonsin warned that the Second Army Area has the right to defend its troops if landmine attacks continue, and may have to respond with force if the situation remains volatile.
  • The Second Army might change its patrolling methods by installing closed-circuit cameras along the border and deploying heavy machinery to clear patrol routes beforehand.

Statistics:

  • The landmine exploded about one kilometre from Prasat Ta Muen Thom in Surin's Phanom Dong Rak district.
  • An army sergeant was seriously injured in the blast.
  • The Second Army Area has been monitoring the Jub Ta Moke pass, an area regularly patrolled by Thai troops.
  • The Regional Border Committee meeting will address the issue of the landmine explosion.

Sources:

  • Lt Gen Boonsin Padklang, Second Army Area commander