Thai forces uncover landmine, munitions left by Cambodian troops

The Thai Navy has accused Cambodian troops of planting an anti-personnel landmine on Thai territory in Ban Nong Ree, Muang District, Trat Province, in violation of the Ottawa Convention.

Rear Admiral Parach Rattanachaipan, spokesman for the Royal Thai Navy, told the media today that an EOD squad from the Chanthaburi-Trat Task Force uncovered an MBV-78A2 anti-personnel landmine, along with a cache of munitions left behind by retreating Cambodian troops, in trenches in Ban Nong Ree.

The trenches had been captured by Thai forces during intense fighting in late December.

The seized munitions included 30 rounds of 75mm recoilless shells, one hand grenade, 1,744 rounds of 12.7mm ammunition, one tripod, and the barrel of a 12.7mm machine gun.

Parach stated that Thai troops discovered three Cambodian outposts in the area, which were illegally occupied by Cambodian forces before being retaken.

He also emphasized that the discovery of the landmine serves as a clear indication of Cambodia’s disregard for its obligation under the Ottawa Convention, as well as its disregard for the safety of people living along the border.