BANGKOK, Thailand – The Royal Thai Army has condemned a recent landmine incident that severely injured a Thai ranger as clear evidence of Cambodia’s violation of the ceasefire agreement and international law.
Army Spokesperson Major General Winthai Suvaree reported that at approximately 9:10 AM on August 12, 2025, Sergeant First Class Theerapon Phiakhantee of the 2610th Ranger Company stepped on an anti-personnel mine. The incident occurred while his seven-man team was on a routine patrol about one kilometer from the Prasat Ta Muen Thom temple in Surin province. SFC Theerapon sustained a severe injury to his left ankle and is now in stable condition at Phanom Dong Rak Hospital.
The spokesperson described the covert attack on Thai soil as proof of Cambodia’s malicious intent and a continuous pattern of threats that contravene the recent General Border Committee (GBC) agreement. He stated this action is a significant obstacle to the ceasefire and aligns with Cambodia’s refusal to accept Thailand’s proposals on demining at the GBC talks, suggesting a systematic plan to harm Thai personnel.
Maj. Gen. Winthai affirmed that while the army is committed to peaceful means, it may be forced to exercise its right to self-defense under international law in response to the continued loss of personnel from Cambodia’s ceasefire violations and infringements on Thai sovereignty. (NNT)
