Thai Army units have uncovered 32 additional landmines during ongoing clearance operations along the Thai-Cambodian border in Sa Kaeo province, highlighting the continued risk posed to local communities. The discovery was made on 25 April within a designated hazardous zone at Ban Nong Chan, where troops are working to make land safe for civilian use.

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The Burapha Task Force, through its Humanitarian Mine Action Unit 1, is leading efforts in the affected area in Non Mak Mun subdistrict, Khok Sung district. During the latest operation, personnel cleared 400 square metres of land within a suspected hazardous area labelled SHA 27-01/AD, which spans 99,800 square metres. Among the 32 mines found in a single day were 22 PMN anti-personnel mines and 10 MN79 mines, underscoring the density of contamination.

Since operations began on 18 November, authorities have cleared 62,000 square metres of land, representing 62.93 percent of the total area. However, around 37,000 square metres, or 37.07 percent, remains suspected of containing explosive hazards. In total, 189 explosive items have been located and neutralised, including 122 PMN mines, 30 MN79 mines, two POMZ-2 mines, 34 PMD-6M mines and one item of unexploded ordnance.

Officials released images showing recovered mines bundled together for transport, a practice used for safe storage prior to disposal. Authorities noted that such large groupings are rarely seen and serve as a stark indication of the scale of contamination along this stretch of the border.

Khaosod reoorted that the continued discovery of landmines reflects the long-standing legacy of past conflicts in the Thai-Cambodian border region. Clearance operations remain critical for reducing risks to residents, farmers and border communities who rely on the land for their livelihoods.

Pictures courtesy of Khaosod

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Adapted by ASEAN Now Khaosod 29 Apr 2026

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so, how did these get onto Thai territory, or did Thailand plant them during the years it supported the Khmer Rouge.