Border Army Chief Prepares Emergency Border Plan Following Landmine Blast

Georgealbert · Wednesday at 11:06 PM

Picture courtesy of Khaosod.

The Commander-in-Chief of the Royal Thai Army, General Phana Klaewplotthuk, has ordered the preparation of the Chakrabongse Phuwanat Plan, a military response strategy, following a landmine explosion on 23 July, that seriously injured Thai soldiers near the Cambodian border.

The order was issued to the 1st and 2nd Army Regions, responsible for security along the Thai-Cambodian frontier, particularly in the area of Huai Bon, An Ma Pass, Nam Yuen district, Ubon Ratchathani. The incident took place at coordinates VA 950911, a known operational zone along the contested border.

The explosion left Sergeant First Class Phichitchai Bunkhorat of Infantry Battalion 14 severely injured, resulting in the loss of his right leg. He is currently receiving treatment at Nam Yuen Hospital.

Names and Injuries of the Wounded Soldiers:

1. Sgt. 1st Class Phichitchai Bunchula – Right ankle severed by explosion

2. Pvt. Supakit Pongthai – Chest pain, hearing impairment

3. Pvt. Phisit Senadee – Chest pain, abdominal pressure

4. Pvt. Seksan Lunjak – Chest pain, difficulty breathing

5. Pvt. Jakkrit Butte – Hearing loss, bleeding from right ear

In response, General Phana has instructed both Army regions to prepare for immediate possible deployment under the Chakrabongse Phuwanat Plan. He, along with key military leaders, including Lieutenant General Chaipruk Duangprapat, Deputy Chief of Staff; Lieutenant General Boonsin Phatklang, Commander of the 2nd Army Region; and Major General Theeranan Nanthakhwang, Director of Military Intelligence, will visit An Ma Pass on 24 July to assess the situation and oversee operations.

Also following the incident, the Second Army Region has ordered the temporary closure of border checkpoints in Ubon Ratchathani, Si Sa Ket, Surin and Buri Ram provinces. This includes popular cross-border tourist destinations such as the Ta Muen Thom, Ta Muen Tot, and Ta Kwai temple sites, closing the ancient temples in the contested area.The closure, effective 24 July, is a response to what Thailand alleges to be the deliberate planting of new landmines on Thai territory.

Army spokesman Major General Winthai Suvari confirmed that the landmine explosion was the latest in a series of hostile incidents along the border. The Army strongly condemned what it described as an inhumane and unlawful act by Cambodia, stating that it violated humanitarian principles and international agreements.

“This act occurred well within Thai sovereign territory. The Royal Thai Army demands accountability from the Cambodian side,” Major General Winthai declared. “Such actions are a grave threat to peace and stability along the border.”

He added that the Thai Army will use every mechanism available to protect its personnel and Thai civilians, reaffirming a firm commitment to national security.

Acting Prime Minister Phumtham Wechayachai, who also serves as Interior Minister, announced a diplomatic downgrade.

“The government has downgraded diplomatic relations, which includes recalling the Thai ambassador to Cambodia back to Thailand and sending the Cambodian ambassador to Thailand back to his country. We will discuss and consider the level of relations further,” Phumtham said.

The situation marks a significant escalation in Thai-Cambodian tensions, prompting renewed concerns about the fragility of border relations between the two nations.

Adapted by Asean Now from Khoasod 2025-07-24