Escalating Tensions: Thai Soldier Injured by Landmine Amidst Fragile Truce with Cambodia
A Thai soldier has been seriously injured following a landmine explosion near the Cambodian border, just days after a ceasefire had been declared between the two nations. This incident has sparked a new round of accusations and heightened tensions in a region already strained by recent conflicts.
Details of the Incident
The explosion occurred on August 12, 2025, when a Thai soldier, while patrolling approximately 1km from the Ta Moan Thom Temple in Thailand’s Surin province, stepped on a landmine, severely injuring his left ankle. He is currently receiving medical treatment in a hospital. This area has been a hotspot in the ongoing border dispute between Thailand and Cambodia.
Accusations and Responses
Following the incident, the Thai army accused Cambodia of breaching the recently established truce and violating international agreements, including the Ottawa Convention, which bans the use of landmines. Major General Winthai Suvaree, a spokesperson for the Thai army, stated that the incident was a clear indication of Cambodia’s continued covert activities in laying landmines, despite the ceasefire agreement.
In response, the Cambodian government vehemently dismissed these accusations. The Ministry of National Defence of Cambodia emphasized their commitment to the Ottawa Convention, asserting that they have not used, produced, or deployed new landmines under any circumstances and remain fully compliant with international law.
Historical Context and Recent Developments
This border conflict is not new, with the ownership of the Ta Moan Thom and the 11th-century Preah Vihear temples often at the heart of these disputes. The border, spanning 817 km, has seen periodic escalations over the years. The recent ceasefire came after a particularly violent episode last month, where clashes included artillery fire and airstrikes, resulting in significant casualties and displacement of civilians on both sides.
The ceasefire, brokered with the help of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), aimed to de-escalate the situation by deploying observers in the contested areas. However, the recent landmine incident and subsequent injuries to Thai soldiers have put this fragile peace at risk.
Looking Forward
The future of this truce remains uncertain, with both nations on high alert. The international community, particularly ASEAN, may have to play a more active role in mediating these tensions to prevent further loss of life and stabilize the region. The incident underscores the ongoing dangers posed by landmines, even in supposedly demilitarized zones, and the complex challenges of peacekeeping in areas with long-standing territorial disputes.