Pictures courtesy of Amarin

 

A Royal Thai Marine engineer was injured on Sunday morning after stepping on a landmine while reinforcing a security position in Ban Nong Ri, Trat Province, prompting an emergency response and heightened safety checks in the area. The incident occurred at 09.14 on 21 December 2025 and resulted in one soldier being wounded, with authorities moving quickly to secure the scene and prevent further harm.

 

The injured soldier was later identified as Chief Petty Officer Therdphong Phomnara. The explosion occurred near a small community of approximately three houses, and initial assessments found he had sustained injuries to his right leg. First aid was administered at the scene before he was rushed to hospital for further treatment.

 

The incident took place amid ongoing efforts by Thai forces to strengthen defensive positions and ensure stability in sensitive areas. Related reports in recent days have highlighted the discovery of newly planted and modified landmines near the border, as well as claims that multiple explosive devices had been recorded and mapped in nearby zones.

 

Following the blast, relevant units immediately sealed off the surrounding area and carried out safety inspections to check for additional explosives. Authorities said these measures were necessary to avoid secondary incidents and to reassure local residents while the situation continued to be monitored closely.

 

On the same day, the Second Army Region published a message on Facebook explaining military principles related to the conflict with Cambodia, including how threats are assessed and neutralised. The post outlined definitions of threats, levels of danger, and methods used by the military to suppress hostile intent, capability, and operational methods across strategic, operational, and tactical levels.

 

The explanation comes at a time of heightened public attention on border security and military operations, particularly following reports of landmines and armed activities affecting both soldiers and civilians. Officials have not announced any immediate changes to operations but stressed that safety procedures and threat assessments remain ongoing.

 

Q&A: “Neutralized as a Threat”

 

1. What does the term “neutralized as a threat” mean?

It refers to a situation in which the opposing side is no longer capable of causing harm, whether because they lack capabilities, lack hostile intent, or have lost both capability and intent.

 

2. How does the military define a “threat”?

Threat = Capability + Intent. If either element is missing, the level of threat is reduced or eliminated.

 

3. How many levels of threat are there?

There are three levels: Threat, Dormancy (latent threat), and Menace.

 

4. At what levels must threat neutralization be considered?

It must be considered at strategic or policy, operational, and tactical levels.

 

5. What are the key conditions for “dominating” or coercing the opposing side?

Superiority in at least two of three factors: position or status, forces, and terrain.

 

6. What does “suppressing intent” mean?

It means eliminating the opposing side’s will to fight by disrupting command, control, communications, and logistics.

 

7. How does suppressing capability differ from suppressing intent?

Suppressing capability focuses on rendering combat power unusable through the destruction or removal of personnel, weapons, and equipment.

 

8. What does “suppressing methods” mean?

It involves using terrain and spatial advantage to force the opposing side into excessive risk or unviable operations.

 

9. What is an example in a border-area context?

Seizing opposing bases near or within territory to eliminate forces, suppress intent, and render methods ineffective.

 

10. What is the core meaning of “neutralized as a threat”?

It means the opposing side is unable to decide to fight, unable to fight, or unable to fight effectively, across strategy, operations, and tactics.

 

Amarin reported that security forces are expected to continue inspections in Nong Ree and nearby areas while maintaining current operations to reinforce positions and protect communities. Updates on the injured soldier’s condition and any further findings from the safety checks are expected as authorities continue to assess the situation.

 

 

Key Takeaways

 

• A Royal Thai Marine engineer was injured by a landmine on 21 December 2025 while reinforcing security in Ban Nong Ri, Trat Province.

• Authorities secured the area, provided immediate medical aid, and launched safety checks to prevent further incidents.

• The Second Army Region reiterated military principles on threat assessment and neutralisation amid ongoing tensions.

 

Related Stories

 

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Rubio-urges-Thailand-Cambodia-truce-by-dec-22-or-23

 

 Adapted  by  Asean Now from Amarin 2025-12-21

 

 

 

 

Mines should be banned.

6 minutes ago, Purdey said:

Mines should be banned.

 

Every time a Thai soldier is injured by one, they should completely destroy a Cambodian military base.

58 minutes ago, Purdey said:

Mines should be banned.

 

They're far too effective and I'm surprised they aren't more widely used.  This poor guy's life will never be the same, and over a pointless skirmish. 

UPDATE
Thai Marines Seize Thmorda Casino, Air Strikes Destroy Buildings

 

Pictures courtesy of Naewna

 

Thai naval forces seized control of the Thmorda casino area on 21 December 2025 after an amphibious operation by the Trat Marine Task Force, followed by air strikes that destroyed buildings deemed to have encroached on Thai sovereignty. The operation involved coordination with the Royal Thai Air Force, which deployed F-16 fighter jets to drop 10 bombs on the targeted structures. Authorities said the action secured the disputed area and concluded as planned.

 

The operation was carried out by the Chanthaburi and Trat Border Defence Command through the Trat Marine Task Force. Marines conducted an amphibious landing to take control of the Thmorda area before air support was requested. The air strikes destroyed the Thmorda casino complex and a residential building belonging to Lt Col Tüm Yor, a former head of the Cambodia–Thailand border coordination unit, which Thai officials said had been built encroaching into Thai territory.

 

The operational area is located near Ban Tha Sen in Laem Klat subdistrict, Mueang Trat district, Trat province. It lies opposite Ban Song Kom Metey in Thmorda subdistrict, Veal Veng district, Pursat province, Cambodia. After the air strikes, marines advanced with combat troops and armoured vehicles to search and secure the area, successfully seizing all designated targets.

 

Following the operation, the marines issued a statement emphasising the enduring spirit and traditions of the Marine Corps. The statement said that despite changing times, marines remained committed to honour, courage, and the legacy of their predecessors, pledging to uphold the prestige of the Royal Thai Navy. It reiterated the corps’ motto: “When marines set foot ashore, any crisis will be resolved.”

 

Earlier the same day, the Royal Thai Navy addressed separate reports concerning a disputed wave-breaker structure near maritime boundary marker 73. Rear Admiral Parat Rattanachaiyapan, the navy’s spokesperson, said claims that Thailand had threatened or negotiated with Cambodia to dismantle the structure were inaccurate. He stated that the navy had only formally expressed concerns and requested a review of the construction due to potential environmental, coastal and security impacts.

 

Naewna reported that the navy said these concerns were conveyed through established bilateral mechanisms, particularly the Regional Border Committee. It added that any subsequent removal of the structure by Cambodian private owners was their own decision, not the result of coercion. The navy reaffirmed its commitment to peaceful, cooperative border management and the safety of civilians on both sides.

 

 

Key Takeaways

 

• Thai marines seized the Thmorda casino area on 21 December 2025 with air support from F-16 jets dropping 10 bombs.

• Buildings destroyed included the casino and a residence linked to a former Cambodia–Thailand border official.

• The Royal Thai Navy denied threatening Cambodia over a separate wave-breaker dispute, citing diplomatic channels.

 

 

 Adapted  by  Asean Now from Naewna 2025-12-21

 

4 hours ago, Purdey said:

Mines should be banned.

So should prostition, theft, scams, street drugs et all! Other than stateing the obvious what dream world are you living in???

5 hours ago, lordgrinz said:

 

Every time a Thai soldier is injured by one, they should completely destroy a Cambodian military base.

Can´t agree more! +1

51 minutes ago, bdenner said:

So should prostition, theft, scams, street drugs et all! Other than stateing the obvious what dream world are you living in???

I guess you are living in one anyway, as you compare totally irrelevant things with the current situation. Where in the Geneva Convention do you have anything about any of the things you are blabbering about?

The fact is that Cambodia should butt the heck out of Thailand, and stop hostile actions, planting mines as well as not use buildings to organize attacks against Thailand. If they not do that, they will face severe damage, as they have nothing to come with more than a big mouth and a dictator leading the country for decades.

UPDATE
Aranyaprathet Orders Evacuation Amid Thai–Cambodian Clashes

 

Pictures courtesy of Amarin

 

Residents in Aranyaprathet Municipality and nearby areas were ordered to evacuate on Sunday, 21 December 2025, following escalating unrest along the Thai–Cambodian border. Local authorities urged people to move to safe locations or designated shelters immediately, with evacuation transport provided for those without private vehicles.

 

The announcement was posted on the official Facebook page of Aranyaprathet Municipality, citing security concerns linked to cross-border hostilities. Residents requiring assistance were instructed to report to the Disaster Prevention and Mitigation Division Building in Aranyaprathet to board evacuation transport. The public was also warned to follow information only from official government channels.

 

The evacuation followed reports from Thailand’s military that Cambodian forces had attempted to fire BM-21 multiple rocket launchers towards Aranyaprathet district in Sa Kaeo province. According to the Ministry of Defence, the attempted attack was reported at 14.00 on 21 December 2025, prompting an urgent civilian evacuation in affected areas.

 

Rear Admiral Surasant Kongsiri, spokesperson for the Ministry of Defence, said the attempted BM-21 strike targeted civilian and community areas in Aranyaprathet. He condemned what he described as attacks that did not distinguish between military and civilian targets, stating that Thai forces were therefore required to respond. He added that further details would be provided later.

 

By 18.00 on the same day, the First Army Region reported ongoing clashes in three locations in Sa Kaeo province. These included Ban Khlong Phaeng in Ta Phraya district, Ban Nong Ya Kaew in Khok Sung district, and Ban Nong Chan, also in Khok Sung district. Cambodian forces were reported to be reinforcing their positions and firing artillery, rocket-propelled grenades and grenade launchers intermittently.

 

The Burapha Task Force confirmed it was conducting military operations against Cambodian military targets opposite Ta Phraya, Khok Sung, Aranyaprathet, and Khlong Hat districts.

 

Amarin reported that officials warned residents to avoid returning to their properties and to closely follow official updates. The conflict along the Sa Kaeo border area was described as entering its 14th day, with control of some areas still contested.

 

 

Key Takeaways

 

• Aranyaprathet Municipality ordered an immediate evacuation on 21 December 2025 due to border unrest.

• Thai authorities reported an attempted BM-21 rocket attack from Cambodia targeting civilian areas.

• Ongoing clashes in three Sa Kaeo locations have led to evacuations across four border districts.

 

 

 Adapted  by  Asean Now from Amarin 2025-12-21

 

-How tall was that injured soldier?  Not sure but he's a foot shorter than he was yesterday.

- He'd sue, but he doesn't have a leg to stand on.

A. Jeselnick, ca 2011
 

1 hour ago, Gottfrid said:

The fact is that Cambodia should butt the heck out of Thailand

And what makes you an expert on the border locations? The French couldn't figure it and neither can this lot.

Hmm, was this a Thai landmine on Thai territory?

Or was it a Cambodean mine on Cambodian territory?

Or was it a Thai mine on Cambodian teritory

Or was it a Cambodian mine on Thai territory?

 

If either of the last 2, then that means that the other side has illegally entered the territory of the opposing side

If either of the first 2, then that is a defence weapon.

 

For a lot of this border, the legal border has been defined by the international Courts many years ago.  (If Thailand doesn't accept that judgement - even though they previously agreed to the border location yonks ago - then that is Thailand's problem)

 

But if this incident occured in an area where there is no international agreement where the border really is - then 'tread carefully!'

13 minutes ago, bdenner said:

And what makes you an expert on the border locations? The French couldn't figure it and neither can this lot.

 

The French did figure it out and the international Court agreed with this....

Stop blaming the French. That chestnut has been roasted to death already.

 

Fact 1.: France drew the first border in 1863

Fact 2.: Final refinement of the border in 1907

Fact 3.: France left Indochina in 1954

 

That's nearly 50 years of time to bring up the matter to the french admin while they still had an office in the country.

 

Why did Cambodia not say anyting during the first draft? Why not say anyting during the final refinement? Plenty of time to say something between the final refinement in 1907 and the french leaving in 1954. It's like trying to sue your house painter 25 years after the job is completed and throwing eggs at his truck when he laughs at your face.

1 hour ago, simon43 said:

Hmm, was this a Thai landmine on Thai territory?

Or was it a Cambodean mine on Cambodian territory?

Or was it a Thai mine on Cambodian teritory

Or was it a Cambodian mine on Thai territory?

 

If either of the last 2, then that means that the other side has illegally entered the territory of the opposing side

If either of the first 2, then that is a defence weapon.

 

For a lot of this border, the legal border has been defined by the international Courts many years ago.  (If Thailand doesn't accept that judgement - even though they previously agreed to the border location yonks ago - then that is Thailand's problem)

 

But if this incident occured in an area where there is no international agreement where the border really is - then 'tread carefully!'

"the legal border has been defined by the international Courts many years ago"

 

The ICJ has never ruled on where the border is. They have only awarded Cambodia Preah Vihear and its immediate surrounding area.

10 hours ago, lordgrinz said:

 

Every time a Thai soldier is injured by one, they should completely destroy a Cambodian military base.

What if the landmine was Thai?

 

12 hours ago, bdenner said:

And what makes you an expert on the border locations? The French couldn't figure it and neither can this lot.

I can see that you avoided to see the non-relevance in your discussion. Has Thailand been planting mines around the border? Did Thailand start the attacks? Better you continue to babble about you prostitution and petty theft. I guess you feel at home there.

 

14 hours ago, bdenner said:

So should prostition, theft, scams, street drugs et all!

Very good! You win the relevance medal of the year!

22 hours ago, Purdey said:

Mines should be banned.

 

Your'e right about that

10 hours ago, Gottfrid said:

 

Edit:- Deleted