Army of Thailand confirms that a new landmine triggered the recent explosion

The Thai-Cambodian border has been the focus of escalating tensions, with both countries presenting evidence of landmine planting at the upcoming General Border Committee (GBC) meeting on Sept 10.

The latest landmine incident occurred on Wednesday, severely injuring a Thai soldier and prompting the Royal Thai Army (RTA) to announce that a newly laid landmine was the cause. One soldier lost a foot, and two others were also injured in the blast that took place in Surin province.

After clearing the area, the troops found one PMN-2 mine and later discovered two more. The RTA spokesman, Maj Gen Winthai Suvaree, stated that the mine discovered near Hill 350 was not a remnant from past conflicts but was a newly planted device.

The evidence suggests the mine was newly planted, as Maj Gen Winthai Suvaree pointed out that the new mines had modern characteristics, such as a hard plastic casing, glossy finish, and clearly printed serial numbers, proving they were newly manufactured.

The RTA has been gathering evidence since August, with engineers finding PMN-2 mines near Phu Makua, in areas previously occupied by Cambodian troops. On July 30, there was evidence on Cambodian social media showing PMN-2 mines during a content shoot near the Ta Kwai ruins. The RTA also recovered a mobile phone during clearance operations on Aug 19 containing evidence of Cambodian soldiers handling PMN-2 mines.

Videos and photos on the phone showed Cambodian soldiers planting PMN-2 mines along the border, including a Khmer-language conversation. The RTA has urged Cambodia to stop denying involvement and uphold its obligations under the Ottawa Convention, which bans anti-personnel mines.

Cambodia's Defence Ministry denies its forces were responsible for the latest landmine explosion and insists it adheres to the Ottawa Convention. However, Cambodia's report to the Ottawa Convention on Dec 31, 2024, confirmed possession of over 3,700 anti-personnel mines, including PMN-2 types, allegedly for training purposes under section 3 of the convention.

Thailand claims these mines have been illicitly deployed in its territory. The latest landmine explosion was the sixth since July 16 and the third since the ceasefire was signed on Aug 7.

The government and the army have been criticized for not responding more forcefully to landmine incidents, but Acting Prime Minister Phumtham Wechayachai stressed the importance of following international procedures. He stated that the latest landmine incident was under investigation, and evidence so far suggests the mine was newly planted.

The GBC meeting on Sept 10 will discuss the landmine incident, which Cambodia initially refused to discuss but has now agreed to include on the agenda. The meeting is expected to be a crucial step in resolving the ongoing tensions between the two countries.