Thai Army Claims Cambodian Soldiers Planted Landmine in Surin
Thailand’s Second Army Region has alleged that Cambodian soldiers illegally crossed into Thai territory in Surin province and planted a PMN-2 anti-personnel landmine, violating international agreements and the bilateral ceasefire.
According to the Second Army Region’s Facebook post on Saturday, a Thai patrol spotted two to three Cambodian soldiers wearing Future Assault Shell Technology (FAST) helmets lying in ambush against Thai troops on the western side of Hill 350 in tambon Bakdai, Phanom Dong Rak district, around 4 p.m. Friday.
The soldiers, reportedly part of the Bodyguard Headquarters (BHQ) of Cambodian Senate President Hun Sen, were observed about 100 metres inside Thai territory, west of the operational boundary line.
Landmine Discovery
Thai troops discovered a single PMN-2 landmine at the location where the Cambodian soldiers had been seen. The area was swept with a mine detector and marked for clearance by an explosive ordnance disposal (EOD) team.
The Thai army stated the discovery indicates Cambodian forces have continued to deploy anti-personnel mines secretly within Thailand’s sovereign territory. This activity violates both the ceasefire agreement and the Ottawa Treaty, which bans landmines.
Border Tensions and Injuries
Thai soldiers remain on high alert along the border. Since mid-July, 13 Thai soldiers have been injured by Cambodian landmines, including five who lost a leg. The latest explosion occurred on August 12, with most incidents occurring on regular patrol routes previously cleared of mines.
On August 14, an explosion near the Ta Kwai temple ruins in Surin was caused by a Cambodian soldier stepping on one of his own army’s landmines.
The Thai military also recently recovered videos on a phone abandoned by a Cambodian soldier, showing Cambodian troops laying anti-personnel mines in the Phu Makua area of Si Sa Ket province.
Diplomatic Efforts
At a recent Regional Border Committee (RBC) meeting, Thailand and Cambodia agreed to cooperate on landmine clearance, take joint action against cross-border call-center scams, and establish smaller coordination groups to address border issues.
Both countries are signatories of the Ottawa Treaty, which prohibits the use of anti-personnel landmines. Thai authorities emphasized the need for strict compliance to prevent further injuries and maintain stability along the border.
🗺️ Interactive Timeline & Map: Thailand–Cambodia Border Landmine Incidents
📍 Key Locations:
- Surin Province: Notably near the Ta Moan Thom temple, a site of historical and territorial significance.
- Ubon Ratchathani Province: Including the Chong Bok area, where previous landmine incidents have occurred.
- Phu Makua Area, Si Sa Ket Province: Identified as a site where Cambodian soldiers were seen laying mines.
📅 Timeline of Landmine Incidents:
| Date | Location | Incident Summary |
|---|---|---|
| May 28, 2025 | Chong Bok, Ubon Ratchathani | Thai soldiers injured by landmine; suspected to be remnants from past conflicts. |
| July 23, 2025 | Chong An Ma, Ubon Ratchathani | Five Thai soldiers injured by newly planted PMN-2 landmines; one lost a leg. |
| July 24, 2025 | Ta Moan Thom, Surin | Explosion near temple ruins; Cambodian soldier injured by own army’s landmine. |
| August 12, 2025 | Near Ta Moan Thom, Surin | Thai soldier seriously injured by landmine; fourth such incident in recent weeks. |
📍 Map Overview:
This map highlights key areas along the Thailand–Cambodia border where landmine incidents have occurred, emphasizing the zones of conflict and the proximity to disputed sites like the Ta Moan Thom temple.
These incidents have significantly strained relations between Thailand and Cambodia, leading to diplomatic tensions and calls for international intervention. Both nations are signatories of the Ottawa Treaty, which prohibits the use of anti-personnel landmines, underscoring the gravity of these violations.
