Kantaralak: A Thai soldier was severely injured after stepping on a landmine in the Khao Sattasom area of Kantaralak District. The Royal Thai Army disclosed the incident, which occurred while soldiers were performing security duties, and highlighted plans to present evidence of the incident to the international community, asserting that it breaches the Ottawa Convention.
According to Thai News Agency, Major General Winthai Suwaree, the spokesperson for the Royal Thai Army, reported that the mine-scanning team from the 8th Engineer Battalion, 1st Cavalry Division, encountered an anti-personnel landmine while reinforcing security in the region. The explosion resulted in Sergeant Major Suchint Jitkriyaan suffering serious injuries, leading to the loss of his left leg and damage to his left eye. He was quickly administered first aid and transported to Surin Hospital for further medical care.
The Army spokesperson noted the presence of numerous landmines allegedly planted by the Cambodian side, particularly in areas previously under Thai control before the ceasefire. Thai forces are actively engaged in mine-clearing operations, though the challenging terrain poses significant risks. An ongoing investigation is collecting detailed evidence from the incident, which will be submitted to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs for official clarification to the international community, highlighting the violation of the Ottawa Convention. Additionally, a report will be provided to the ASEAN Observer Team (AOT) for verification within the ceasefire agreement’s framework.
The Royal Thai Army asserts that the deployment of anti-personnel mines by the Cambodian side clearly violates international obligations under the Ottawa Convention. This action, they argue, contradicts international humanitarian principles and is deemed unacceptable by the global community.