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The Sun
7 days ago
- Politics
- The Sun
Thai soldier injured in Cambodia border landmine explosion amid tensions
BANGKOK: A Thai soldier was severely wounded after stepping on a landmine near the Cambodia border on Tuesday. The Royal Thai Army reported the explosion occurred around 9:00 am during a patrol close to the contested Prasat Ta Muen Thom temple in Surin province. Army spokesman Winthai Suvaree accused Cambodia of planting new landmines in violation of the recent ceasefire agreement. 'Cambodia continues to covertly plant landmines as an ongoing threat,' said Winthai in an official statement. He warned that Thailand may be forced to defend itself if such incidents persist. Cambodia's Mine Action and Victim Assistance Authority has previously denied allegations of new mine placements. The disputed border region remains heavily contaminated with explosives from past conflicts. This follows another landmine blast in Sisaket province on Saturday, injuring three Thai troops. Both nations have accused each other of violating the ceasefire brokered on July 29. The truce was mediated by Malaysia, China, and the US, with President Trump calling himself 'the President of PEACE' after the agreement. Last month's clashes resulted in at least 43 deaths and displaced over 300,000 civilians. The long-standing border dispute dates back more than a century. - AFP
Saudi Gazette
09-08-2025
- Politics
- Saudi Gazette
Thai soldiers injured in border land mine blast amid tensions with Cambodia
BANGKOK — Three Thai soldiers were wounded Saturday when one stepped on a land mine while on patrol near the Cambodian border, the Thai army said, in the latest flare-up of tensions despite a recent ceasefire agreement. The explosion occurred in Sisaket province and 'clearly demonstrates... that the use of concealed weapons in border areas continues to exist,' the army said, accusing Cambodia of violating the Ottawa Convention, which bans the use of anti-personnel mines. Both Thailand and Cambodia are signatories to the treaty. The Thai Foreign Ministry said the blast was the third such incident in less than a month and 'confirmed' findings that new mines were being planted in violation of international law. Saturday's explosion came just two days after the two neighbors reaffirmed a ceasefire following five days of armed clashes last month that killed dozens on both sides and displaced more than 260,000 people. That fighting erupted a day after five Thai soldiers were wounded by a land mine in disputed territory. Maj. Gen. Winthai Suvaree, a Thai army spokesperson, called Saturday's blast 'a significant obstacle' to implementing the ceasefire and resolving disputes peacefully. Cambodia's Mine Action and Victim Assistance Authority rejected the allegations, insisting no new mines have been laid and highlighting its internationally recognized record of clearing over 1 million mines and nearly 3 million other unexploded munitions from past conflicts. Cambodia suggested earlier explosions may have been caused by remnants of decades-old fighting. Tensions between the countries have been simmering since May, when a Cambodian soldier was shot dead by Thai troops in another contested border area, triggering cross-border boycotts and restrictions. In Saturday's incident, a Thai sergeant major lost his left foot, while two privates sustained minor injuries, the army said. — Agencies
Time of India
09-08-2025
- Politics
- Time of India
South Asia tensions: 3 Thai soldiers injured in landmine blast; Cambodia denies responsibility
. Three Thai soldiers were injured in a landmine explosion on Saturday while patrolling near the Cambodian border, just days after the two countries agreed to extend a fragile ceasefire following their deadliest clashes in decades. The blast took place in Sisaket province at around 10 AM local time (0300 GMT), the Royal Thai Military said in a statement. One soldier sustained a severe leg injury, another suffered wounds to his back and arm, while the third experienced serious ear damage from the blast's pressure. Tensions have been high since last month's five-day conflict over disputed ancient temples along the 800-kilometre (500-mile) border, which left at least 43 people dead and forced more than 300,000 residents from their homes. The fighting, which involved jets, artillery, rockets and infantry, ended on 29 July after mediation by US President Donald Trump. On Thursday, Thai and Cambodian defence officials met in Kuala Lumpur and agreed to extend the truce. However, Saturday's incident has cast doubt over the ceasefire's stability. Thailand's foreign ministry accused Cambodia of laying new landmines in violation of the agreement and said it would file an official protest. However the country's Mine Action and Victim Assistance Authority denied the allegation, insisting no new mines had been planted. Acting PM Phumtham Wechayachai, who was in neighbouring Surin province at the time, has ordered the military to ensure the injured soldiers receive full treatment.
