Thai Soldiers Injured in Mine Blast Near Cambodian Border

Photo:AP

Tensions along the Thailand–Cambodia border flared again on Saturday, August 9, 2025, when three Thai soldiers were injured in a land mine explosion in Thailand’s Sisaket province. The incident occurred just two days after both countries promised to stick to a ceasefire aimed at ending a brief but violent conflict last month.

According to Thai military officials, the blast happened while the soldiers were on a routine patrol in an area close to the disputed border. One of the soldiers, a sergeant major, suffered severe injuries and lost his left foot. Two other privates were also wounded, though their injuries were less serious.

Accusations Over Land Mine Use

The Thai Army claimed that the explosion was caused by a newly planted land mine, accusing Cambodia of violating the Ottawa Convention — an international agreement banning the use of anti-personnel mines. Both Thailand and Cambodia are parties to this treaty, which commits signatories to stop using and to remove such hidden explosives.

A statement from Thailand’s Foreign Ministry alleged that this was the third similar incident in less than a month. It also argued that the use of these weapons was a “serious breach of international law” and an obstacle to peace.

Cambodia’s Denial

Cambodia’s Mine Action and Victim Assistance Authority quickly responded, strongly denying the allegations. They insisted that Cambodia has not planted any new mines and highlighted its internationally recognised record for clearing explosives rather than deploying them.

Officials in Phnom Penh pointed out that Cambodia has removed over one million mines and nearly three million unexploded bombs and shells left over from decades of war between 1970 and the 1990s. Cambodian authorities suggested that some recent explosions on the border might have been caused by old mines from past conflicts.

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Conflict Background

The latest tension follows a series of incidents in recent months. In May 2025, a Cambodian soldier was shot dead in a brief skirmish with Thai troops in another contested area. This event triggered a wave of diplomatic and economic retaliation, including border restrictions and boycotts of goods and services.

The situation worsened in July when a land mine blast wounded five Thai soldiers in disputed territory, sparking five days of fighting. That short but intense conflict killed dozens of people on both sides, including civilians, and forced more than 260,000 people from their homes.

On July 29, both governments agreed to a ceasefire. A follow-up meeting in Malaysia last week produced a 13-point agreement to monitor the truce. However, Saturday’s explosion now threatens to derail those fragile peace efforts.

Official Reactions

Thai Army spokesperson Maj. Gen. Winthai Suvaree called the blast “a significant obstacle to the implementation of ceasefire measures and the peaceful resolution of problems.” Cambodian officials countered by urging continued cooperation to clear old mines and prevent further tragedies.

The incident has renewed fears that mistrust and historical disputes — including ownership of a centuries-old Hindu temple along the border — could reignite violence. Both governments now face the challenge of proving their commitment to peace while addressing security concerns in a heavily militarised area.

Why This Matters

Land mines remain one of the deadliest leftovers of war, capable of killing or injuring long after the fighting has stopped. Despite international bans, they continue to pose a danger in parts of Southeast Asia, including the Thai-Cambodian border. The latest incident shows how old wounds between neighbouring countries can quickly resurface, even after peace agreements are signed.

Both Thailand and Cambodia are under pressure from the international community to ensure the ceasefire holds and to investigate the source of the mines. If they fail, the region could face another round of conflict, further endangering civilians living near the border.