BANGKOK — A fresh landmine incident has reignited tensions between Thailand and Cambodia, casting further doubt on the durability of a fragile ceasefire.
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On August 12, a Thai soldier sustained a severe left ankle injury after triggering a landmine while patrolling about one kilometre from the Ta Moan Thom temple in Surin province. The Thai army swiftly condemned the incident as a direct violation of both the ceasefire and the Ottawa Convention, which both countries have ratified.
This marks the fourth mine-related injury to Thai soldiers along the contested border in just a few weeks. Earlier incidents—including one on August 9, when three soldiers were injured in Sisaket province—already raised alarms about the collapse of peace efforts.
Thailand’s military insists the mines were clandestinely laid by Cambodian forces within Thai territory. Major-General Winthai Suvaree, army spokesperson, called this a breach of international law and warned that Thailand may invoke the right to self-defence under international norms if the violations continue.
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Cambodia, for its part, has strongly rejected the allegations. The Mine Action and Victim Assistance Authority reiterated that it “has not, and will not, plant new land mines,” emphasizing its commitment to demining efforts and international treaties.
The months of border skirmishes and landmine incidents trace back to deadly clashes in July—during which at least 43 people were killed and over 300,000 displaced. A ceasefire came into effect on July 29, followed by a 13-point peace plan and deployment of ASEAN ceasefire observers—but stability remains elusive.
The renewed violence occurs amid deep-seated disputes over border demarcation and sacred temple sites like Ta Moan Thom and Preah Vihear—symbols of long-standing regional friction. With each side trading accusations, the threat of renewed hostilities hangs heavy as both governments and international observers scramble to prevent a return to open conflict.
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Sources: Associated Press, Reuters, The Guardian, Al Jazeera
