Thai Navy Finds New Mines on Thai Territory

Thai authorities say they have found clear evidence that Cambodia secretly planted landmines inside Thai territory, describing the act as a serious violation of international humanitarian law. The Royal Thai Navy confirmed that newly laid anti-personnel mines were discovered during operations to secure and clear border areas. Officials said the discovery has heightened security concerns along the frontier.

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Rear Admiral Parach Rattanachaiyaphan, spokesperson for the Royal Thai Navy, said the Navy’s Humanitarian Mine Action Unit found six newly manufactured PMN-2 anti-personnel mines in Ban Chamrak, Mueang district, Trat province. The discovery was made on 14 February 2026 during operations to reclaim and clear the area under the “Trat Phikhat Phairi” plan.

An inspection confirmed the devices were newly placed by the opposing side and were not remnants from past conflicts. In nearby areas, officials also found three PMN-1 mines and one POMZ mine while developing a tactical route along the border.

The Navy stressed that Thailand is strictly adhering to the joint Thai–Cambodian statement issued on 27 December 2025, maintaining a humanitarian approach and refraining from the use or support of anti-personnel mines in all circumstances. Authorities said the deployment of new mines represents a grave breach of international humanitarian law and obligations concerning the prohibition of anti-personnel mines.

Thai officials formally condemned the alleged action and said all evidence would be systematically recorded. They added that further steps would be pursued under relevant legal frameworks and international mechanisms.

Pictures courtesy of Amarin

The discovery follows recent efforts by Thai forces to reinforce border security and clear suspected hazardous areas. Military units have been conducting mine clearance and strengthening defensive measures along sensitive sections of the frontier in response to ongoing tensions.

Amarin reported that officials indicated that documentation and verification of the findings would continue, alongside coordination with relevant agencies. The government has signalled it will proceed within established international legal channels while maintaining security operations in the affected areas.

Key Takeaways

• Six newly manufactured mines were found in Ban Chamrak, Trat, on 14 February 2026.

• Thai authorities say the mines were newly planted and not leftover from previous conflicts.

• Thailand has condemned the alleged action and will pursue legal steps through international mechanisms.

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Adapted by ASEAN Now Amarin 16 Feb 2026