Thailand Implements Countermeasures Against Cambodia Over Landmine Discovery

Strategic Insights -

Thailand is taking decisive action following the revelation of newly planted landmines in the Chok Bok border area of Ubon Ratchathani, perpetrated by Cambodian forces. The incident occurred on July 16, during a routine patrol, leaving three Thai soldiers injured. The discovery of over 100 new landmines within Thai territory has prompted a formal report to the Army Operations Centre and a recommendation to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to lodge a complaint with the United Nations, citing Cambodia's breach of the 1997 Ottawa Convention. The Thai engineer battalion has been deployed to clear the area, with Lieutenant General Boonsin Padklang warning of potentially hundreds more mines buried beneath the surface.

Key Takeaways:

  • Thai authorities have confirmed the presence of over 100 newly planted landmines within Thai territory, with two clusters of mines identified in the Chok Bok border area.
  • The mines were discovered 100 to 150 metres inside Thai territory and were reportedly laid during a temporary withdrawal of Thai patrol forces by Cambodian forces.
  • Lieutenant General Boonsin Padklang has warned that potentially hundreds more mines could be buried beneath the surface.
  • Thailand has lodged a formal complaint with the Second Army Region, recommending the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to take the issue to the United Nations.
  • Both Thailand and Cambodia are signatories to the 1997 Ottawa Convention, which bans anti-personnel mines.

Specific to the Cambodian Mine Action and Victim Assistance Authority (CMAA), the organization has denied the claims reported in Thai media, expressing regret over the incident and dismissing the accusations as unfounded.

Statistics:

  • 100-150 metres: the distance from the Thai border where the mines were discovered.
  • 40 centimetres: the spacing between mines in one cluster.
  • 90 centimetres: the spacing between mines in a second cluster.
  • 3 mines: the number of mines in a first cluster, spaced 40 centimetres apart and camouflaged with leaves.
  • 5 mines: the number of mines in a second cluster, spaced 90 centimetres apart.

Sources:

  • "Thai army finds over 100 new landmines on border" by Bangkok Post
  • "Cambodian Mine Action and Victim Assistance Authority (CMAA) denies Thai reports of landmines"