Bangkok: The 2nd Army Area Commander has announced plans to exercise his rights in protecting his personnel and adjust patrol strategies following incidents involving landmines allegedly planted by Cambodia.
According to Thai News Agency, the Second Army Region commander has accused Cambodia of secretly placing landmines in violation of ceasefire agreements, with the intention of provoking the Thai army. The commander stressed that these actions require immediate responses rather than negotiations, as Cambodia is unlikely to accept Thailand’s proposed conditions. Plans to employ CCTV cameras and revise patrol routes are underway as part of the response. A report on the matter has been submitted to both the government and the Army Commander, and preparations are being made for an international protest.
Lt. Gen. Boonsin Phadklang, Commander of the Second Army Region, disclosed that on August 12, 2015, a ranger from the 2610th Ranger Company was injured after stepping on a landmine while patrolling near Prasat Ta Muen Thom Temple in Surin Province. The incident led to Sgt. Theerapol Phiakhanthi losing his left leg, though he is currently out of danger. The landmine was located near a barbed wire fence on the western side of the temple, facing Cambodia, in an area known as Chong Chup Ta Mok, which is within Thai territory and regularly patrolled by Thai forces.
The laying of landmines is deemed a provocation and a ceasefire violation, akin to firing weapons. The Thai military plans to counter these actions and report them to the government, which will escalate the matter to the international stage. The Army Commander-in-Chief, General Pana Klaewplodthuk, has requested urgent information to facilitate a protest against the Cambodian actions.
Lt. Gen. Boonsin expressed doubts about Cambodia’s willingness to engage in demining cooperation, indicating that ongoing peace is crucial for any demining efforts. Absent peace, the situation might necessitate a forceful response. He emphasized that while ceasefire negotiations continue, he is committed to safeguarding his personnel.
To mitigate risks, Lt. Gen. Boonsin outlined plans to adjust patrol strategies, reduce personnel exposure to landmines, and enhance surveillance with CCTV cameras. The army will employ large machinery for clearing patrol routes and increase long-range surveillance to ensure troop safety.