Thailand blames Cambodia for border landmine blast injuring three soldiers

Thailand has accused Cambodia of violating international law after three Thai soldiers were injured by a landmine near the border in Ubon Ratchathani province earlier this week.

According to a statement issued by Thailand’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs on July 20, the incident occurred on July 16 near Chong Bok, where troops from Infantry Company 6021 were on a routine patrol inside Thai territory when they triggered an anti-personnel mine, Caliber.Az reports.

Following an investigation by Thai security agencies, authorities concluded that the mines were recently planted and did not match the type of anti-personnel devices used or stockpiled by Thailand. 

The statement described the deployment of the mines as a “blatant violation of international law” and a breach of Thai sovereignty and territorial integrity.

“The Royal Thai Government condemns in the strongest terms the use of anti-personnel mines,” the statement read, citing violations of the United Nations Charter and the Anti-Personnel Mine Ban Convention, to which Thailand is a party.

The statement noted that Thailand “will take action” under the convention and urged Cambodia to fully cooperate in joint humanitarian demining operations along the border, as agreed by both countries’ prime ministers.

The Thai government reaffirmed its commitment to resolving border issues through existing bilateral channels. 

By Sabina Mammadli