Thai Soldiers Uncover Bomb Traps and Landmines Planted by Cambodian Troops Along Border

Strategic Insights -

Thai soldiers patrolling near the Prasat Ta Kwai ancient temple in Surin province stumbled upon a makeshift bomb trap made from a mortar shell by Cambodian troops on Sunday, signaling a brazen violation of the ceasefire agreement. The bomb trap was designed to be triggered by Thai soldiers, who discovered it while on patrol near Hill 350 in Tambon Bak Dai. The same area had previously yielded three PMN-2 landmines, two mortar shells, and a large number of nails on August 22. The discovery highlights the ongoing tensions along the Thai-Cambodian border, where both sides have made repeated claims of respecting the ceasefire agreement.

Key Takeaways:

  • Cambodian troops planted a makeshift bomb trap made from a mortar shell near Hill 350 in Tambon Bak Dai, Surin province, which was discovered by Thai soldiers on Sunday.
  • The bomb trap was designed to be triggered by Thai soldiers, who stumbled upon it while on patrol.
  • Three PMN-2 landmines, two mortar shells, and a large number of nails were also found on the western side of Hill 350 on August 22.
  • The discovery indicates that Cambodian troops have violated the ceasefire agreement by attempting clandestine attacks against Thai soldiers on Thai soil.
  • RTA commander-in-chief Gen Pana Klaewplodthuk has instructed soldiers to exercise greater caution during border patrols.
  • The actions of Cambodian soldiers contradict repeated claims by the Cambodian government that it seeks peace and respects the ceasefire agreement.

Statistics:

  • 1.7 kilometers: the distance from Hill 350 to the spot where the bomb trap was discovered.
  • 11:50 am: the time when Thai soldiers discovered the bomb trap on Sunday.
  • August 22: the date when Thai soldiers found three PMN-2 landmines, two mortar shells, and a large number of nails on the western side of Hill 350.
  • 3: the number of PMN-2 landmines found on August 22.
  • 2: the number of mortar shells found on August 22.
  • A large number of nails: the quantity of nails found on August 22.

Sources:

  • Maj Gen Winthai Suvaree, Royal Thai Army spokesman
  • Gen Pana Klaewplodthuk, RTA commander-in-chief
  • Royal Thai Army (RTA) announcement on Monday