Latest news with #2ndArmy
The Star
14 hours ago
- Politics
- The Star
Thailand closes border with Cambodia in response to landmine incidents
BANGKOK: On July 23, Lt Gen Boonsin Padklang (pic), Commander of the 2nd Army Region, signed an order to close border crossings between Thailand and Cambodia and suspend all tourism activities in the areas under 2nd Army Region's responsibility, following recent landmine attacks in the Thai-Cambodian border region. The Commander referred to the 2nd Army Region's order dated June 23, 2025, aiming to enhance border control in Surin, Sisaket, and Buriram provinces. Following the order's enactment, a series of landmine incidents took place near the border in Chong Bok and Chong An Ma areas of Ubon Ratchathani Province. These attacks, believed to have been carried out by Cambodian forces, have resulted in serious injuries to Thai soldiers and are considered violations of Thailand's sovereignty under the Ottawa Convention. The use of landmines in this manner is deemed a severe threat to peace and stability along the border between the two nations. As a result, the 2nd Army has implemented the following measures to ensure security: 1. Suspension of all vehicle traffic across the border. 2. Suspension of all movement of people, including local and foreign tourists, and a halt to all types of trade. 3. A ban on visits to Ta Muen and Ta Kwai temples for tourists while security systems are being upgraded. These measures aim to protect Thailand's sovereignty and territorial integrity, safeguard the lives and property of Thai citizens, and prevent further incidents of this nature. They also serve as a statement of disapproval of the use of landmines, which violate sovereignty and the Ottawa Convention. The closure will be enforced starting July 24, 2025. - The Nation/ANN
Bangkok Post
3 days ago
- Politics
- Bangkok Post
Two more landmines found along border disputed by Cambodia
The army has found two more, new anti-personnel mines on Thai soil near the border with Cambodia where three Thai soldiers were injured by an exploding landmine last week. Army spokesman Maj Gen Winthai Suvaree said on Monday that a patrol from the Suranaree Task Force found the two landmines near Chong Bok in Nam Yuen district of Ubon Ratchathani province on Sunday. One of the mines was only about 30 centimetres from the spot where three soldiers were injured by the explosion of a Russian-made PMN-2 anti-personnel mine on Wednesday, the spokesman said. One of the soldiers lost his foot. The newly discovered mines were safely defused and removed, he said. The army has not said exactly how many newly sown anti-personnel mines have been found. It could be around a dozen given the statement last week by 2nd Army chief Lt Gen Boonsin Padklang that eight had been found, before the latest discoveries on Sunday. The Foreign Ministry on Sunday accused and condemned Cambodia for the use of anti-personnel mines in contravention of the Ottawa Convention banning their use. Cambodia and Thailand both signed it in 1997 and ratified and deposited it in 1998. 'The Royal Thai Government condemns in the strongest terms the use of anti-personnel mines,' the ministry statement said. Cambodia has denied laying new mines that injured the three soldiers. However, the ministry said it had clear evidence. Thailand had never used the type of landmine being found. "Assessments and related evidence discovered by the responsible security agencies point to the conclusion that the laying of these mines was a blatant violation of international law," it said. Maj Gen Winthai said the army will meet the defence attaches of other countries on Tuesday and brief them on the latest finds. The spokesman also callled on the members of Asean and the international community to condemn Cambodia on the issue.
Bangkok Post
15-07-2025
- Bangkok Post
Soldiers stop Cambodian visitor quarreling with Thai troops
SURIN - Thai and Cambodian soldiers stepped in to stop a Cambodian visitor quarreling with Thai troops at the contested Ta Muen Thom temple ruins in Phanom Dong Rak district on Tuesday, the 2nd Army said in a statement. The statement said a Cambodian had visited the archaelological site in company with Thai soldiers who were coordinating access to the area. The visitor had argued unusually loudly with the Thai soldiers, scaring other visitors. Other Thai and Cambodian soldiers had quickly intervened, stopping the quarrel and calming down those involved. There was no violence the 2nd Army said in the statement posted on its Facebook page. The statement said situation along the border was currently "normal" and visitors were allowed access to the ancient temple and other sites. Ta Muen Thom is one of four Thai border areas that Cambodia also claims. It was reported that the incident happened at 1.08pm. Thai army spokesman Maj Gen Winthai Suvaree said a Cambodian woman had loudly accused Thai soldiers of invading Cambodian soil. Cambodian soldiers had then crossed the border in almost company strength and approached the scene. Thai soldiers persuaded them to return to their posts, he said.
