Thai Soldier Seriously Injured by Landmine Near Cambodia Border

SURIN, Aug 13 (TNA) – A Thai soldier was seriously injured after stepping on a landmine near the Cambodian border, an incident the Thai Army has strongly condemned as a violation of a ceasefire agreement.

Sgt. Teeraphon Piakhantee, a Ranger from the 2610 Company, lost his left ankle in the blast on Tuesday morning in Surin province. The incident occurred during a routine patrol and, according to Thai Army spokesperson Maj. Gen. Winthai Suvaree, the anti-personnel landmine was allegedly placed by Cambodian forces.

The spokesperson condemned the event as a “direct attack” and a breach of both the ceasefire agreement and the international Ottawa Treaty, which bans such mines. Maj. Gen. Suvaree warned that while Thailand seeks a peaceful solution, continued violations may force it to exercise its right to self-defense.

Thailand also denied recent Cambodian claims of troop movements and reiterated its readiness to hold a Regional Border Committee (RBC) meeting to address local ceasefire issues. The statement concluded by urging Cambodia to cooperate on de-mining and combating transnational crime. – 819 (TNA)