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.

Get today's headlines by email

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.

Join the discussion?

Already a member?

Adapted by ASEAN Now Amarin 16 Feb 2026

View full record

On the face of it, this report is disturbing. The allegation that newly planted landmines were found inside Thai territory highlights the dangers faced by Thai soldiers even during what is supposed to be a ceasefire.

At the same time, the details cannot yet be independently confirmed. We have only the Thai authorities’ account, and there has been no official response yet from Cambodian sources!

Until both sides provide verifiable information, it remains difficult to assess the full picture.

What is clear is that any deployment of anti‑personnel mines would represent a serious breach of international humanitarian law.

The situation shows how fragile border security remains, and how quickly tensions can escalate when national pride seems more important than trying to constructively resolve differences.

Picture looks like someones dinner plate...