Thailand Reports Three Soldiers Injured in Border Landmine Blast

(MENAFN) Three Thai soldiers sustained injuries Saturday morning after a landmine detonated during a patrol near the Thai-Cambodian border, according to the Thai Army. The blast took place around 10:00 a.m. local time in Sisaket Province while troops were laying barbed wire to strengthen border security.

Thai army spokesperson Winthai Suvaree stated that the incident unmistakably highlights the ongoing covert deployment of weapons by the Cambodian side along the border, constituting a clear breach of the Anti-Personnel Mine Ban Convention, also known as the Ottawa Convention.

He added, "Such actions pose a major obstacle to implementing ceasefire measures and resolving the conflict through peaceful means and further reinforce evidence that Cambodia has consistently initiated the use of weapons first."

In response, Cambodia’s Mine Action and Victim Assistance Authority (CMAA) categorically denied the allegations Saturday evening, stating, "Cambodia's position is unequivocal: We have not, and will not, plant new landmines."

The CMAA’s press release highlighted the lack of a formal investigation, noting, "At this time, no official and transparent investigation has been carried out regarding the reported incident involving injured Thai soldiers."

It cautioned against premature accusations, emphasizing, "In the absence of verified facts, it is essential that all parties exercise restraint in public statements. Unsubstantiated accusations not only risk undermining the spirit of cooperation established under the ceasefire but also threaten to erode trust at a moment when constructive engagement is most needed."

The press release expressed Cambodia’s hope that Thailand will honor the agreements made at the extraordinary meeting of the Cambodia-Thailand General Border Committee (GBC), particularly point two, which requires both parties to maintain their existing troop deployments without any additional movements, including patrols approaching the other side’s positions.

On August 7, both nations reached a ceasefire agreement in Malaysia, committing to hold current troop positions and refrain from increasing forces along the disputed border.

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