Thai Soldiers Injured in Landmine Explosion Near Border with Cambodia

Strategic Insights -

Three Thai soldiers were injured after a landmine exploded during a regular patrol near the Thai-Cambodian border in Kantharalak district, Si Sa Ket, on Saturday morning. The explosion happened in an area that was cleared of mines just five days earlier and is a well-used patrol route inside Thai territory. The incident has sparked accusations from Thailand's Ministry of Foreign Affairs that Cambodia is laying new mines and a rejection from Cambodia's defence ministry, which insists it is honoring the ceasefire agreement.

Key Takeaways:

  • Three Thai soldiers were injured in a landmine explosion during a regular patrol near the Thai-Cambodian border in Kantharalak district, Si Sa Ket, on Saturday morning.
  • The explosion occurred in an area that was cleared of mines just five days earlier and is a well-used patrol route inside Thai territory.
  • Sgt Maj First Class Thani Paha lost his left foot in the blast, while Pvt Pakpoom Chaisura hurt his arm and back, and Pvt Thananchai Kraiwong suffered a concussion and a burst eardrum.
  • The incident has sparked accusations from Thailand's Ministry of Foreign Affairs that Cambodia is laying new mines and a rejection from Cambodia's defence ministry.
  • Thailand and Cambodia had signed a 13-point ceasefire deal just days before the explosion, aiming to ease border tensions and support peace.
  • More than 400 landmines have been removed from Surin province so far.
  • Four landmine incidents involving Thai troops have occurred this year, including the incident on August 9.
  • Army engineers had swept the area and boosted security at Phu Makua just five days before the explosion, finding 18 Russian-made PMN-2 anti-personnel mines and a large supply of grenade launcher rounds and RPG rockets.
  • Cambodia's Cambodian Mine Action and Victim Assistance Authority has denied planting any new mines.

Statistics:

  • Three Thai soldiers injured in the landmine explosion.
  • 18 Russian-made PMN-2 anti-personnel mines found in the area cleared by army engineers just five days before the explosion.
  • 16 of the 18 mines found were stored, and two were armed.
  • 416 landmines removed from Surin province so far.
  • Four landmine incidents involving Thai troops have occurred this year.

Sources:

  • Bangkok Post, "Thai soldiers injured in landmine blast near Cambodian border"
  • Department of Army, "Army spokesman Maj Gen Winthai Suvaree on landmine explosion"
  • Ministry of Foreign Affairs, "Thailand files protest against Cambodia over landmine incident"