Thai Soldiers Injured by Landmine in Disputed Border Area

Strategic Insights -

Thai soldiers were injured in a landmine explosion along the Thai-Cambodian border, the fourth incident in two months, with the army accusing Cambodia of laying the mines. The incident occurred in a previously cleared area, where no new mines were supposed to be laid. The blast injured three soldiers, one of whom lost a foot, and comes amid increased tensions between the two nations.

Key Takeaways:

  • A routine patrol by Thai soldiers in Kantharalak district, Si Sa Ket province, triggered a landmine explosion, injuring three soldiers.
  • The incident is the fourth time since mid-July that Thai soldiers have been injured by mines while patrolling in disputed border areas.
  • The army said the mines had been recently laid by Cambodia, and the incident occurred in an area that had been cleared just five days earlier.
  • Sgt Maj First Class Thani Paha lost his left foot, while Pvt Pakpoom Chaisura sustained injuries to his arm and back, and Pvt Thananchai Kraiwong sustained a concussion and ruptured eardrum.
  • The blast occurred in an area that had been designated as safe for patrol, leading to accusations that Cambodia had laid new mines in violation of international law.
  • The incident has raised tensions between Thailand and Cambodia, with the Thai government lodging a protest with Cambodia and calling for joint mine clearance efforts.

Statistics:

  • 3 Thai soldiers injured in a landmine explosion on Saturday morning.
  • 4 incidents of Thai troops stepping on landmines this year, resulting in injuries to 4 soldiers and 1 fatality.
  • 18 Russian-made PMN-2 anti-personnel mines discovered by Thai engineers in the Phu Makua area, 16 of which were stored in sacks and not yet armed, and 2 of which were hastily placed and ready to detonate.
  • 477 landmines removed in Surin province, the location of a military base where landmines have been a major concern.
  • 2 incidents of landmine planting reported by the Thai army in the past 2 months, with the latest incident occurring just 5 days after the area was cleared.

Sources:

  • "Thai soldiers injured by landmine in disputed border area" by Thai News Agency
  • "Cambodia denies laying new landmines in Thailand" by Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Cambodia
  • "Thai-Cambodian border row highlights mine clearance concerns" by Bangkok Post