Thailand warns of ‘self-defence’ action after Cambodia border blast injures soldier
Thailand has accused Cambodia of planting new mines on the Thai side of the disputed border, a charge that Phnom Penh denies
The soldier’s left ankle was severely injured when he stepped on the mine while patrolling along a routine border route about 1km (0.62 miles) from Ta Moan Thom temple in Thailand’s Surin province, the army said in a statement.
The soldier is being treated at a hospital, it said.
The incident is clear evidence that Cambodia had violated the ceasefire as well as international agreements like the Ottawa Convention against landmines, Thai army spokesman Major-General Winthai Suvaree said in the statement.
Cambodia continues to covertly plant landmines, while the Thai army has as consistently adhered to peaceful approaches and has not been the initiating party, the statement said.
“Should circumstances become compelling, it may be necessary to exercise the right of self-defence under international law principles to resolve situations that cause Thailand to continuously lose personnel due to violations of ceasefire agreements and sovereignty encroachments by Cambodian military forces,” the army said.
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Thai military shows what it says are landmines found on Cambodia border