Chok Bok, Ubon Ratchathani Province, Thailand – July 21, 2025 –
Tensions along the long-disputed Thailand-Cambodia border have escalated sharply following a recent landmine explosion that injured three Thai soldiers, with a subsequent probe revealing the devices were newly planted within Thai territory. This discovery has led Bangkok to accuse Phnom Penh of a serious violation of international law and national sovereignty, prompting calls for both diplomatic and military “retaliatory measures.”
The incident occurred on Wednesday, July 16, when a routine patrol of Thai soldiers in the Chok Bok border area of Ubon Ratchathani province was disrupted by a landmine detonation. Three soldiers sustained injuries in the blast, immediately triggering an investigation by Thai authorities.
“Newly Planted” Mines Spark Outrage
Thai Army Commander General Pana Klaewplodthuk confirmed on Saturday that the investigation had conclusively determined the landmines were not remnants of past conflicts, but rather “newly planted.” He cited evidence from the blast site, including the pristine condition of the mines, their clear markings, and the absence of plant overgrowth, as proof of their recent deployment. Eight newly laid PMN-2 anti-personnel mines, a type not used by the Royal Thai Army, were found in two clusters, concealed with leaves, just 100 to 150 meters inside Thai territory. Lieutenant General Boonsin Padklang, Commander of the 2nd Army Region, further warned that potentially hundreds more newly planted mines could be in the area, necessitating immediate mine-clearing operations.
General Pana condemned the act as a “blatant violation” of the 1997 Ottawa Convention, which both Thailand and Cambodia have signed, prohibiting the use, stockpiling, production, and transfer of anti-personnel mines. “The Thai government condemns in the strongest terms the use of anti-personnel landmines,” he stated.
Cambodia Denies, Cites Thai Incursion
Across the border, Cambodia has vehemently denied the accusations. The Cambodian Ministry of National Defense, through its spokesperson Lieutenant General Maly Socheata, issued a statement on July 20 rejecting Thailand’s claims. Phnom Penh asserts that the incident occurred due to the Thai military’s unauthorized incursion into Cambodian territory, arguing that the injured soldiers had deviated from mutually agreed-upon patrol routes and entered an area known to be contaminated with old, unexploded ordnance from decades of conflict. The Cambodian Mine Action and Victim Assistance Authority (CMAA) also dismissed the Thai media reports as “baseless and unfounded.”
Cambodian officials have reiterated their commitment to the Ottawa Convention and questioned why Thai troops were ordered to patrol outside established routes in a hazardous zone. Some Cambodian sources have even suggested that Thailand might be using the incident to deflect from domestic political challenges.
Thailand Prepares “Retaliatory Measures”
In response to what it views as a grave breach of sovereignty and international law, Thailand is preparing a multi-pronged response.
* Military Response: Lieutenant General Boonsin Padklang indicated that the 2nd Army Region is prepared to undertake immediate military retaliation, asserting that such tactical responses do not require direct government orders. The details of any military action remain undisclosed, but the army has vowed to “act firmly to protect our sovereign territory and personnel dignity.”
* Diplomatic Offensive: The Thai Ministry of Foreign Affairs has condemned Cambodia in the strongest terms and is preparing to lodge a formal complaint with the United Nations regarding Cambodia’s alleged violation of the Ottawa Convention. A high-level meeting of the Ad Hoc Centre for the Thailand-Cambodia Border Situation is scheduled for today, July 21, to coordinate diplomatic and legal strategies.
* Border Security: Thai authorities have begun implementing stricter screening measures at border checkpoints, signaling a heightened state of vigilance.
The historical context of the Thailand-Cambodia border is fraught with disputes, particularly around ancient temple sites and heavily mined areas left over from past conflicts. While both nations have previously committed to peaceful cooperation, this latest incident threatens to significantly destabilize relations and reignite long-standing tensions. The international community will be closely watching as Thailand and Cambodia navigate this sensitive and potentially volatile situation.
