File photo for reference only

 

The Thai military is set to convene a detailed briefing for military attachés and international representatives to showcase findings on freshly uncovered landmines along the Thai-Cambodian border. Rear Admiral Surasan Kongsiri, spokesperson for the Special Operations Centre managing Thai-Cambodian border situations, revealed that Thai soldiers were injured on July 16 by a landmine placed just 130 metres from the operational demarcation line, a regular patrol route for Thai forces.

 

Investigations identified the explosive as a PMN2 anti-personnel landmine—unfamiliar to Thai military arsenals. A crater, 69 cm wide and 23 cm deep, marked the blast spot, and further exploration unearthed two additional landmine sites. These revelations are raising tensions yet again.

 

The first new site was located 50 metres from a Phraya Sattaban tree near a contentious trench dug by Cambodian forces, containing three mines. The second, 100 metres away, housed five more mines, totalling seven discovered PMN2 models. According to Surasan, tell-tale fresh soil and lack of overgrowth suggest recent placement, further agitating authorities as such mines breach the Ottawa Convention prohibitions.

 

Enhanced Security Protocols

 

Consequently, the military has amplified security measures with strict guidance for local patrols. Following the incident, Thailand’s Mines Action Centre issued a formal condemnation. Meanwhile, Thailand plans to brief international representatives on these developments, leaving diplomatic protestations and potential international actions in the hands of the Foreign Ministry.

 

Co-ordinated Response at Ta Muen Thom

 

The episode near Ta Muen Thom Temple on July 15 saw Thai and Cambodian officials commit to preventive initiatives. Key measures to manage tourist-related disturbances involve designated liaison officers managing incidents and a strict protocol allowing only authorised teams to respond to issues. Such actions are already jointly enforced, including deploying female ranger volunteers to assist with tourism management.

 

Ministry of Foreign Affairs' Strategy

 

Maratee Nalita Andamo, Deputy Spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, announced an official written protest to Cambodia, condemning the breach of Thai sovereignty and international laws, given the grave injuries sustained by Thai soldiers. The ministry is preparing to engage with the Chair of the Meeting of States Parties, currently Japan, underscoring Thailand's commitment to its obligations under the Ottawa Convention.

 

Efforts are underway to present these findings to friendly nations and international organisations like Japan and Norway, highlighting the urgent call for humanitarian mine clearance cooperation in the contested zones.

 

This week, in New York, the Minister of Foreign Affairs will attend a United Nations dialogue, seizing the moment to champion Thailand’s peaceful resolution approach and bilateral engagement with Cambodia. As both nations’ leaders have previously concurred to collaborate on mine clearance efforts, Thailand remains hopeful for cooperative dialogues moving forward.

 

  Adapted by ASEAN Now from The Nation 2025-07-22

 

 

So, where they on Thai, or Cambodian soil.

As for "unfamiliar to Thai military arsenals," I guess they expect us to believe him...Thais "never" lie.... 555

130m from the border with Thailand, i.e. on Cambodian territory. This raises the question: what were the Thai soldiers doing there?

20 hours ago, snoop1130 said:

Thai soldiers were injured on July 16 by a landmine placed just 130 metres from the operational demarcation line, a regular patrol route for Thai forces.

OK  Which side  of the demarcation line were the soldiers? 

Thai side or Cambodia side? That makes a hell of a difference I would say. 

If the Thai soldiers were on the Wrong side   They shouldn't  have been there.

God, I hope they aren't going to revert to this.

6 minutes ago, Will B Good said:

God, I hope they aren't going to revert to this.

Especially if the Golf Ball detector card is installed.😋

21 hours ago, snoop1130 said:

tell-tale fresh soil and lack of overgrowth suggest recent placement, further agitating authorities as such mines breach the Ottawa Convention prohibitions.

 For reference from Cambodia media:-

 

Cambodia has explained that the regretful incident was caused by a remnant of past conflicts. (Khmer Rouge)

The foreign ministry confirmed that the incident occurred in Techo Morakot village, an area within Cambodia's internationally recognised territory. The ministry clarified that the landmine was not a result of any recent Cambodian actions.

Cambodia emphasised its commitment to the Ottawa Convention, which prohibits the use of anti-personnel mines, and reaffirmed its ongoing efforts to clear such remnants from its land.

 

https://www.phnompenhpost.com/national/thailand-army-escalates-tensions-claims-landmines-planted-by-cambodia

 

Sorry for the Thai soldiers but it looks as if they had trespassed into Cambodian territory.

No further comment from me.

I doubt the Thai army is capable of fighting Cambodia. This is a disaster waiting to happen.

3 hours ago, Purdey said:

I doubt the Thai army is capable of fighting Cambodia. This is a disaster waiting to happen.

 

Those two armies are probably almost equally incapable, but sadly, they could still make a bloody mess.

Thailand also sent 2 F16s on bombing raids.

Cambidia has no answer to that 

23 minutes ago, Hunz Kittisak said:

Thailand also sent 2 F16s on bombing raids.

Cambodia has no answer to that 

 

With respect, today's Khmer media (24 July 2025)

 

At 10:58 a.m., one of the Thai jets was reportedly downed by Cambodian defence systems, according to both Cambodian sources and battlefield reports cited by Thai media.

 

https://www.khmertimeskh.com/501723653/cambodian-forces-shoot-down-thai-f-16-fighter-jet-source-confirms/

53 minutes ago, Burma Bill said:

 

With respect, today's Khmer media (24 July 2025)

 

At 10:58 a.m., one of the Thai jets was reportedly downed by Cambodian defence systems, according to both Cambodian sources and battlefield reports cited by Thai media.

 

https://www.khmertimeskh.com/501723653/cambodian-forces-shoot-down-thai-f-16-fighter-jet-source-confirms/

 

The Royal Thai Air Force (RTAF) has refuted Cambodian media reports claiming that an F-16 aircraft had been shot down on Thursday.

 

It confirmed that the aircraft returned safely after conducting a bombing mission on a Cambodian brigade.

 

According to a Facebook post by the RTAF, the reports from Cambodian media alleging that the Thai Air Force’s F-16 was downed earlier in the day were "completely untrue." 

 

The air force urged the public to rely only on credible news sources for updates.

 

https://www.nationthailand.com/news/general/40052969