Thailand's Military Responds to Landmine Explosion, Condemns Cambodia's Alleged Breach of Treaty

Combat engineers initiated mine-clearing efforts in the Chong Bok area, near the Thai-Cambodian border, following a landmine explosion that injured three Thai soldiers on July 16. The Second Army Region reported that Suranaree Task Force combat engineers started operations on July 20, in response to reports of approximately 100 landmines found in the area. Engineers utilised heavy machinery, including armoured tractors, to ensure the safety of Thai soldiers, while evidence was collected to support allegations that Cambodia breached the Ottawa Treaty, which bans anti-personnel mines.

Key Takeaways:

• A landmine explosion on July 16 injured three Thai soldiers, including one who lost a foot, in the Chong Bok area near the Thai-Cambodian border.
• The Second Army Region initiated mine-clearing efforts on July 20, with combat engineers finding approximately 100 newly laid landmines, including PMN-2 landmines, Russian-made devices not used by Thai forces.
• Cambodia provided photos and videos alleging Thai soldiers' involvement in laying the mines, but these were denied by the Royal Thai Army, stating they were from a training session and a distortion of facts.
• The Thai government condemned the use of anti-personnel mines, citing a violation of Thai sovereignty, the Ottawa Treaty, and international laws, and urged Cambodia to collaborate in removing landmines along the border.
• Demonstrators rallied at the Cambodian embassy in Bangkok to protest the landmine planting, stating it violated the Ottawa Treaty and endangered Thailand's security.
• The Thai Ministry of Foreign Affairs urged Cambodia to work together to remove landmines along the border, as both countries had previously agreed at the bilateral level.

Statistics:

• 3 Thai soldiers were injured in the landmine explosion on July 16 (Source: Bangkok Post)
• 100 landmines were found in the Chong Bok area (Source: Second Army Region)
• 1 Thai soldier lost a foot in the explosion (Source: Second Army Region)
• 100 landmines were allegedly laid in the Chong Bok area (Source: Second Army Region)
• 3 days passed between the landmine explosion and the start of mine-clearing efforts (Source: Second Army Region)

Sources:

• Second Army Region
• Lieutenant General Boonsin Padklang (commander of the Second Army Region)
• RAdm Surasant Kongsiri (spokesperson for the Ad Hoc Centre for Thailand-Cambodia Border Situation)
• Major General Winthai Suvaree (spokesperson for the Royal Thai Army)
• Nikorndej Balankura (spokesperson for the Thai Ministry of Foreign Affairs)
• Bangkok Post