Surin: A mother was left in shock after not speaking with her son for a day, only to discover he had stepped on a landmine and seriously injured his left ankle while patrolling the Ta Muen Thom temple area in Surin province. The incident involved seven soldiers patrolling the area of Prasat Ta Muen Thom, where they encountered a Cambodian landmine secretly planted, leading to the serious injury of Sergeant Theeraphon Phiakhanthi, a ranger from the 2610th Military Company. Sergeant Theeraphon is currently receiving treatment at Phanom Dong Rak Hospital and is now out of danger.
According to Thai News Agency, Lt. Gen. Boonsin Phadklang, commander of the Second Army Region, has inspected the barbed wire line at Ta Muen Thom Temple, affirming that the soldiers were patrolling within Thai territory on a routine patrol route. The incident occurred near the barbed wire line on the western side, facing Cambodia, approximately one kilometer from the temple. It is suspected that Cambodia planted the landmines during the withdrawal of troops, an act considered a provocation and a violation of ceasefire conditions. In response, Army Commander-in-Chief Gen. Pana Klaewplodthuk has requested information to protest Cambodia at the next RBC Thai-Cambodia meeting.
Lt. Gen. Boonsin emphasized the need for the Humanitarian Mine Clearance Center to clear the area if the situation calms down. However, he stressed that if peace does not prevail, it may warrant a forceful response as part of on-the-ground negotiations. Patrol plans will be adjusted to reduce exposure to mines, including increased use of CCTV cameras and large machinery to clear patrol routes.
The incident had a profound impact on Sergeant Theeraphon’s mother, who had been unable to speak to her son on Mother’s Day. Village neighbors gathered at her home to offer support. Sergeant Theeraphon, a ranger for nearly 30 years, maintained a close relationship with his mother, regularly calling her and performing traditional gestures of respect. Despite her sadness over his injury, she expressed pride in his service to the country.
In a related development, the Second Army Region’s Facebook page confirmed that the bomb disposal unit found a PMN-2 mine at the scene, with three more mines discovered in ‘new condition’ within Thai territory. The Royal Thai Army accused Cambodia of intentionally creating a threat to life and safety, while the Cambodian Ministry of Defense denied these allegations, stating Cambodia adheres to the Anti-Personnel Mine Ban Convention. Cambodia has called for an official investigation to establish facts and cautioned against public conclusions that could escalate tensions.
Nevertheless, Thailand insists on having clear evidence of Cambodia’s use of landmines and urges Cambodia to cease spreading false information. The Thai Ministry of Foreign Affairs has issued a statement protesting Cambodia’s actions, citing violations of international law and the Ottawa Convention. Additionally, the 2nd Army Region is seeking support for concert wire to defend Thailand’s sovereignty.