SISAKET, Thailand – Thailand has issued a formal protest and condemnation against Cambodia after a Thai soldier became the 11th service member to lose a limb to a landmine along the disputed border.
Sergeant Major Third Class Sujin Jitkreeyan, an army engineer, was severely injured Monday while clearing PMN-2 anti-personnel mines at Khao Satta Som in Sisaket province. He was airlifted to Surin Hospital for emergency surgery on his left leg and eye.
The Thai Army and Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) allege the mines were recently planted by Cambodian forces, calling it a “blatant violation” of the Ottawa Convention, which bans anti-personnel mines.
This is a clear breach of Thai sovereignty and international obligations, the MFA said in a statement, adding that it will pursue the matter through the Mine Ban Treaty’s legal mechanisms. Bangkok is calling for an ASEAN-led investigation and demanding Cambodia cooperate in demining efforts as per previous bilateral agreements. (TNA)
