🗓️ Monday, November 10, 2025
📍 Si Sa Ket, Thailand

Thai Army Confirms New Landmine Planting in Huai Ta Maria, Violating Peace Declaration

Si Sa Ket Province, Thailand — The Royal Thai Army confirmed on Monday that a newly planted landmine in the Huai Ta Maria area, located in Kantharalak District of Si Sa Ket Province, has injured four Thai soldiers, breaching the joint peace declaration between Thailand and Cambodia. The explosion is seen as an act of renewed hostility, with the army condemning it as a clear violation of the agreement designed to ease tensions between the two countries.

Details of the Explosion

The landmine exploded during a routine patrol at approximately 8:30 a.m. on November 10, 2025. The Thai soldiers were investigating the area when the blast occurred. The explosion caused significant injuries, with four soldiers being rushed to a local hospital for treatment:

• Sergeant Major First Class Therdsak Samapong, who lost his right ankle and is in critical condition.
• Private Vajira Panthana, who suffered chest pain from the shockwave of the explosion.
• Private Apirak Srichomchai, who sustained shrapnel wounds to his legs.
• Private Anucha Sujaree, who experienced eye irritation from dust or chemical residue caused by the blast.

All injured soldiers are currently receiving medical care at a nearby hospital, with Sergeant Major Therdsak in the most critical condition. Military engineers and bomb disposal teams were dispatched immediately to assess the situation and to ensure there were no further explosives in the vicinity.

Investigation and Findings

The Second Army Region, responsible for operations in this area, confirmed that the explosion occurred during a routine border patrol. According to Maj Gen Winthai Suwaree, the spokesperson for the Royal Thai Army, the area had previously been under the control of Cambodian troops, who had withdrawn following earlier border clashes. Thailand fully took control of the region on October 17, 2025, with the deployment of mine-clearance operations, the construction of barbed-wire barriers, and continuous military patrols to ensure security.

On November 9, Thai troops discovered that parts of the barbed-wire fence had been removed, a concerning sign that the area may have been tampered with. The following day, a routine patrol team was sent to investigate, accompanied by army engineers. It was during this inspection that the landmine detonated, injuring the four soldiers. The blast site was promptly secured, and an investigation was initiated.

Joint Investigation Team

At approximately 3:50 p.m. on the same day, a joint investigation team was assembled to examine the blast site. The team included:

• Military personnel from the Royal Thai Army.
• Members of the Provincial Police Forensic Division.
• Officers from Bueng Malu Police, a local law enforcement agency in Si Sa Ket Province.

This team thoroughly examined the area and found the following critical evidence:

• A crater at the blast site measuring 55 cm in width and 18 cm in depth, indicating a significant explosion.
• Fragments of a PMN-2 landmine, which were scattered around the crater and nearby area.
• Three additional PMN-2 landmines, found about one meter apart, near the blast site, suggesting a deliberate placement of multiple devices in the area.

The presence of these newly planted mines strongly suggests that the landmines were specifically laid to target Thai military personnel who regularly patrol the area. Maj Gen Winthai stated that the evidence indicates that the minefield was created after the removal of the barbed wire, pointing to an act of hostility aimed at Thai forces.

Violation of Peace Declaration

Maj Gen Winthai emphasized that the planting of these landmines represents a clear violation of the joint peace declaration between Thailand and Cambodia. This agreement, signed in an effort to de-escalate tensions along their border, prohibits hostile military actions and aims to foster peace in the disputed areas near Preah Vihear Temple.

He expressed concern over Cambodia’s apparent insincerity in de-escalating the situation, describing the landmine planting as a hostile action that reflects poorly on Cambodia’s commitment to peace. He warned that this act will undoubtedly affect Thailand’s position on the peace agreement and any future negotiations between the two countries.

Government’s Response

The Thai government has strongly condemned the act, with Deputy Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul announcing that Thailand will temporarily suspend the peace agreement with Cambodia. The government has also expressed its intent to file a formal diplomatic protest to Cambodia and to raise the issue in international forums, especially given that landmines are prohibited under several international treaties, including the Ottawa Treaty on the prohibition of landmines.

Background on Border Tensions

The Thai-Cambodian border, particularly around the Preah Vihear Temple, has long been a source of dispute between the two countries. Despite efforts to clear mines from the area, landmines and unexploded ordnance (UXO) continue to pose a significant danger to both military personnel and civilians. The tensions have escalated in recent months as both countries have increased their military presence along the border, heightening the risk of further conflict.

Next Steps for Thai Military

In the aftermath of the attack, the Royal Thai Army has vowed to enhance its mine-clearance operations and to reassess patrol routes to protect the safety of soldiers. The army has also promised to provide full medical and rehabilitation support to the injured personnel. In addition, military readiness remains a top priority as they continue to safeguard the nation’s sovereignty and the security of personnel deployed along the border.

Conclusion

The planting of a new landmine in the Huai Ta Maria area has resulted in the injury of four Thai soldiers and is seen as a direct violation of the joint peace declaration between Thailand and Cambodia. In response, Thailand has suspended the peace agreement and is pursuing diplomatic action. The Royal Thai Army has committed to intensifying mine-clearance operations and ensuring the safety of its personnel through enhanced security measures along the border.

Our Thoughts

To all Thai citizens, let us not be consumed by anger or fear. In times of hardship, it is our unity, resilience, and unwavering spirit that will define us. We have faced adversity before, and together we have risen stronger each time.

The brave soldiers who serve to protect us deserve our unwavering support, not only in words but in our collective strength as a nation. Let us stand together, calm but resolute, for the safety of our people and the future of our beloved Thailand. If we are called to defend what is ours, we will do so with pride, courage, and honor.

Stay strong, stay calculated, and stay united. We are Thailand, and nothing will break us.