Cambodia denies involvement in landmine blast injuring Thai soldiers
In a statement released on Friday, the CMAA expressed deep regret over the incident and rejected what it described as 'baseless accusations' that Cambodia had laid new landmines in the Mom Bei area, where the explosion reportedly took place.
Several Thai news outlets, including the Bangkok Post, the Nation and Khaosod English, quoted senior Thai officials as saying that three soldiers sustained injuries from landmines on Wednesday at coordinates WA 220 861, as confirmed by the Thai side.
The reports alleged that the devices had recently been planted by Cambodian troops, said the CMAA as reported by Khmer Times on Saturday.
The CMAA stressed that Cambodia had long suffered from the scourge of landmines and had taken a strong stance against their use.
'Cambodia is a country that has suffered tremendously from landmines and explosive remnants of war. As such, Cambodia strongly condemns and firmly opposes the use, production, and stockpiling of landmines,' the statement read. 'We deeply regret every landmine-related tragedy, regardless of where it occurs or who is affected.'
The CMAA underscored Cambodia's longstanding commitment to peace and mine clearance, citing the leadership of former Prime Minister Hun Sen and his successor, Prime Minister Hun Manet. Cambodia is a State Party to the Ottawa Convention, formally known as the Convention on the Prohibition of the Use, Stockpiling, Production and Transfer of Anti-Personnel Mines and on their Destruction.
According to the CMAA, Cambodia has met its international obligations and is widely recognised for its achievements in mine clearance. The Kingdom hosted the 11th Meeting of the States Parties to the Ottawa Convention and the 5th Review Conference—also known as the Siem Reap-Angkor Summit for a Mine-Free World—in 2024, both of which were considered landmark events.
On the incident involving injured Thai soldiers, the CMAA called for any conclusions to be based on clear, verifiable investigations rather than 'speculation or unfounded accusations.'
Cambodia remains fully committed to the 2000 Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) regarding cooperation along the border with Thailand, and to transforming the border into an area of peace, friendship, collaboration and development, according to the statement.
The CMAA urged all parties to refrain from making premature or baseless accusations and instead work together to investigate the incident while upholding a spirit of friendship, safety and mutual respect, emphasising that 'the true enemy of all of us is landmines.'
On Wednesday, Pvt Thanapat Huiwan stepped on a landmine while his group was patrolling from the Morakot Operations Base to Hill 481 in the Chong Bok area of Nam Yuen district, Ubon Ratchathani province.
Chong Bok forms the so-called Emerald Triangle that borders three countries: Thailand, Cambodia and Laos. It was a battlefield between Thai and Vietnamese troops in 1973 when the Vietnamese chased Khmer Rouge soldiers fleeing Cambodia to the Thai border.
Thailand and Cambodia held a short exchange of gunfire in the area on May 28 as a simmering border dispute between the two countries boiled over, with tensions remaining high to this day.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Bangkok Post
10 hours ago
- Bangkok Post
New mine blast inflames border tensions
The Thai-Cambodian border dispute has escalated dramatically after five more Thai soldiers were injured by landmines — one losing a leg — in a disputed area of Ubon Ratchathani province on Wednesday afternoon. The incident near the Chong An Ma border crossing prompted the government to order the closure of all crossings in northeastern Thailand. The army, meanwhile, activated its 'Chakrapong Phuwanart' emergency plan, which was last put into operation in 2011 during the conflict over the Preah Vihear temple site. The plan involves the 1st and 2nd army regions, which are responsible for the Central Plains and the Northeast respectively. Shortly afterward, Deputy Prime Minister Phumtham Wechayachai said the government was expelling the Cambodian ambassador, while recalling the Thai envoy from Phnom Penh. 'By recalling the Thai Ambassador from Cambodia and sending the Cambodian Ambassador back to Cambodia, we will consider the level of relations further,' a government statement quoted Mr Phumtham, who is also acting prime minister, as saying. The army said the landmine incident occurred while soldiers were on patrol near Huai Bon in Nam Yuen district of the northeastern province at 4.55pm. The incident resulted in injuries to five army personnel, with one soldier sustaining severe injuries to his right leg from stepping on the explosive device. The other four experienced chest tightness and tinnitus from the blast concussion. All are now being treated at Nam Yuen Hospital. The soldier who lost his right leg was identified as Sgt Maj First Class Phichitchai Boonkorat of the 14th Infantry Regiment patrol unit. A spokesperson said the army commander-in-chief, Gen Pana Claewplodtook, would visit the area on Thursday. 'The army seriously condemns the inhumane act which violates the principles of international humanitarianism and international agreements and occurred in the Kingdom of Thailand. It is the act of Cambodia,' it said in a statement. 'It demands Cambodia take responsibility for the incident which is considered as a serious threat to peace and stability along the border of both countries. 'The army confirms that it will use all existing mechanisms properly to protect Thai military personnel and citizens from such incidents.'
Bangkok Post
a day ago
- Bangkok Post
Errant kamikaze drone sparks petition
Thailand has lodged a petition via the Thai-Myanmar Township Border Committee (TBC) following the discovery of a military kamikaze drone that reportedly crashed in Tak province, a source said. The drone was found on Tuesday about 5 kilometres from Khun Mae Woei village in Tha Song Yang district, and the 35th Ranger Regiment was alerted to the incident by villagers, the source said. Military rangers, police and administrative officials then rushed to the spot and found the unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) about 15km inside the border. The crash caused no injuries or damage. Initial assessments suggested the UAV originated from Myanmar's military and was intended for strikes against the Karen National Liberation Army (KNLA), he said. It reportedly lost control and crashed into Thai territory. The drone was equipped with a gas canister believed to be an explosive warhead, he said. The source went on to say that Special Task Force Ratchamanu worked with police and administrative officials to cordon off the area and mark it as a danger zone. Local residents were warned to stay away. An explosive ordnance disposal unit from the Naresuan Task Force has since removed and destroyed the device. Given the serious nature of the situation, Thai authorities have filed a petition through the TBC seeking clarification and assurances. The drone reportedly resembled those used in recent military airstrikes against the KNLA, including those targeting KNLA Brigade 7 on March 18 and June 12, and Brigade 6 on July 13. Earlier on July 17, the commander of Special Task Force Ratchamanu reported that Myanmar had deployed two YAK-130 aircraft to bomb the Ti Ta Hlae base in Myawaddy, just 3km from the border with Tak's Phop Phra district. The base has come under heavy attack by KNLA forces. Myanmar troops were reportedly using supply drops and aerial bombardment to defend their positions.
Bangkok Post
a day ago
- Bangkok Post
Visa help for labour 'in limbo'
The cabinet on Tuesday approved a six-month extension for Cambodian migrant workers employed in border provinces. The move comes in response to recent changes in border checkpoint operating hours across seven provinces, which have hindered the movement of workers in the area. Government spokesman Jirayu Houngsub said that due to ongoing unrest along the Thai-Cambodian border and the implementation of stricter border control measures, a significant number of Cambodian workers have been unable to re-enter Thailand. These workers, who are employed in provinces along the border under the provisions of Section 64 of the executive decree on the management of foreign workers, typically use border passes for entry and exit. As a result of the new travel restrictions, many of these workers -- whose permitted periods of stay have expired -- are unable to leave Thailand to renew their legal status. Consequently, they have overstayed and are now considered to be residing in the country unlawfully. As of June, a total of 47,348 Cambodian migrant workers fell into this category, with many facing the expiration of their work permits. These permits are expected to gradually expire through to the end of September, Mr Jirayu said. He said the cabinet on Tuesday approved a proposal from the Labour Ministry to grant a special exemption allowing the targeted group of foreign nationals to remain in the kingdom for employment in border areas for a period of six months. This grace period is effective from June 7, the date on which the Interior Ministry's border control measures came into force. The decision was made in light of the fact that this date marked the commencement of tighter border restrictions. The exemption will remain in effect either for the full six-month period or until normal border crossings at permanent checkpoints between the two countries have resumed for at least a month continuously. Furthermore, the cabinet approved a waiver of overstay fines for affected migrant workers whose period of stay in the kingdom has already exceeded the legal limit due to circumstances beyond their control. The Royal Thai Army on Tuesday held a briefing for defence attachés from 47 embassies to clarify the current situation following an incident in which three Thai soldiers from the 6th Infantry Regiment were injured by a landmine. Thai authorities later claimed that the explosion caused by an anti-personnel mine recently planted in Thai territory constitutes a breach of the Ottawa Convention, which both Thailand and Cambodia have ratified. Meanwhile, the Second Army Region has issued a stern warning that the Prasat Ta Muean Thom temple in Surin's Phanom Dong Rak district could be closed for seven days if Cambodia fails to prevent further disruptive actions. Commander Lt Gen Boonsin Padklang said that while Thailand remains committed to peaceful solutions, it will not tolerate provocation of any kind. The warning follows reports that 23 Cambodian tour buses had arrived at the disputed site, raising fears of unrest.
