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Soldiers

Thai Soldier Loses Foot to Landmine in Surin Province

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

A Thai soldier was severely injured when he stepped on a landmine in Surin province, near the border with Cambodia, on Wednesday afternoon. The soldier, Pvt Adisorn Pomklang, lost the lower part of his right leg in the explosion. This incident marks the sixth time a Thai soldier has been maimed by a landmine since the current border conflict erupted in July. The Royal Thai Army has threatened to take action against Cambodia for laying anti-personnel landmines in Thai territory, violating international treaties and a bilateral ceasefire agreement.

Key Takeaways:

  • Pvt Adisorn Pomklang, a 1st Infantry Battalion soldier, lost the lower part of his right leg in a landmine explosion on Wednesday afternoon in Surin province.
  • This incident marks the sixth time a Thai soldier has been maimed by a landmine since the current border conflict erupted in July.
  • The Royal Thai Army has accused Cambodia of laying anti-personnel landmines in Thai territory, violating international treaties and a bilateral ceasefire agreement.
  • The landmines found were Russian-made PMN-2s in "new condition", indicating they were recently planted.
  • Thailand considers this a breach of the ceasefire agreement and a violation of the Ottawa Treaty and international humanitarian law.
  • Security forces responded swiftly to the incident, providing immediate assistance and rushing the injured soldier to a nearby hospital.

Statistics:

  • 1st incident: July 2023 (no exact date mentioned)
  • 2nd incident: August 2023 (no exact date mentioned)
  • 3rd incident: September 2023 (no exact date mentioned)
  • 4th incident: October 2023 (no exact date mentioned)
  • 5th incident: November 2023 (no exact date mentioned)
  • 6th incident: [Current incident] on Wednesday evening in Surin province.
  • 6 Thai soldiers have been maimed by landmines since the current border conflict erupted in July.
  • The Royal Thai Army has repeatedly accused Cambodia of laying anti-personnel landmines in Thai territory.

Sources:

  • A statement posted on the Defence Ministry's Facebook page
  • The Royal Thai Army's threat to "exercise its right to self-defence under international law"

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