Thai Border Communities Remain Unsafe Amid Ongoing Cambodian Rocket and Landmine Threats

Strategic Insights -

Thai border communities and frontiers remain hazardous for both civilians and military personnel due to the presence of numerous Cambodian rockets and landmines, according to the Royal Thai Army. The Thai-Cambodian conflict has resulted in a significant threat to the safety of people in the affected regions. The Royal Thai Army has reported that as of Saturday, soldiers had found 824 rocket craters in areas near the border, with most of them in communities and hospitals.

Key Takeaways:

  • The Royal Thai Army has found 824 Cambodian rocket craters in areas near the Thai-Cambodian border, with most of them in communities and hospitals.
  • Explosive ordnance disposal personnel are working urgently to clear shells at the craters to allow Thai evacuees to return home safely.
  • Lt Gen Boonsin Padklang, commander of the Second Army Region, has warned people to report shell crater sightings to government officials immediately and stay away from such locations.
  • Soldiers are facing threats from many landmines laid by Cambodian forces in Thai territory before retreating, with one soldier losing a leg and two colleagues being injured.
  • The Thai Ministry of Foreign Affairs has sharply condemned Cambodia's repeated injuries to Thai soldiers caused by Cambodian landmines, calling them a clear violation of Thailand's sovereignty and territorial integrity.
  • Thailand is lodging a formal protest and will take action in accordance with the Anti-Personnel Mine Ban Convention (Ottawa Convention).
  • The laying of new mines undermines the ceasefire agreed by both countries and Cambodia has yet to respond to Thailand's concerns.
  • The Royal Thai Armed Forces Headquarters has reported that the 824 Cambodian rocket craters were in four northeastern provinces, with 256 craters in Buri Ram, 72 craters in Si Sa Ket, 439 craters in Surin, and 57 craters in Ubon Ratchathani.

Statistics:

  • 824 Cambodian rocket craters found in areas near the Thai-Cambodian border (as of Saturday)
  • 256 craters in Buri Ram, with 254 cleared
  • 72 craters in Si Sa Ket, all cleared
  • 439 craters in Surin, with 372 pieces of ordnance defused
  • 57 craters in Ubon Ratchathani, all cleared
  • 18 PMN-2 anti-personnel landmines found, with 2 remaining operational
  • Numerous rocket-propelled grenades found

Sources:

  • "Thai soldiers injured by Cambodian landmine." _Reuters._[1]
  • "Thai Ministry of Foreign Affairs Condemns Cambodia over Landmine Use." _The Star._[2]
  • "Thai-Cambodian Border Tensions Escalate as Rockets and Landmines Continue to Pose Threats." _Bangkok Post._[3]
  • "Thai Royal Army Reports 824 Rocket Craters Near Border." _AP News._[4]