Thai Soldier Injured by Landmine Near Cambodian Border

BANGKOK (Reuters) – A Thai soldier was injured by a landmine near the Cambodian border on Tuesday, the Thai army reported. This incident occurred just days after Thailand and Cambodia agreed to a ceasefire following a deadly five-day conflict last month.

The soldier suffered severe injuries to his left ankle when he stepped on the mine while patrolling a routine border route close to Ta Moan Thom temple in Surin province, approximately 1 km (half a mile) from the temple. He is currently being treated in hospital.

The army stated that the incident serves as clear evidence of Cambodia violating the ceasefire and international agreements, including the Ottawa Convention, which prohibits landmines. Major-General Winthai Suvaree, a spokesman for the Thai army, accused Cambodia of covertly planting landmines, asserting that Thailand has maintained a peaceful approach and has not initiated conflict. He noted that if violations continue, actions may be taken in self-defense under international law principles.

Cambodia has rejected these Thai accusations. The spokesperson for the Cambodian defense ministry affirmed that Cambodia adheres to the Ottawa Convention and does not use or deploy landmines.

This marks the fourth instance in a few weeks where Thai soldiers have been injured by landmines along the border. Earlier this month, three soldiers were injured in a similar incident between Thailand’s Sisaket province and Cambodia’s Preah Vihear.

Previous mine-related injuries have strained diplomatic relations and led to clashes between the two countries. Thailand has accused Cambodia of planting mines on its territory during disputes on July 16 and July 23.

The neighboring countries have a long-standing dispute over their 817-km (508-mile) land border, particularly regarding the ownership of the ancient Hindu temples Ta Moan Thom and the Preah Vihear temple. The recent clashes, which began on July 24, were the worst seen in over a decade, resulting in exchanges of artillery fire and fighter jet operations that led to at least 43 deaths and displaced over 300,000 people.

The fragile ceasefire has been in effect since both nations agreed the previous week to have observers from the Association of Southeast Asian Nations monitor the disputed border areas to prevent further hostilities from occurring.