Mine event in Trat, Ban Nong Ree area, Thailand on Fri 19th December 2025

Thai Navy Accuses Cambodia of Landmine Violations After Border Area Reclaimed

The Royal Thai Navy has accused Cambodia of serious violations of international humanitarian law after Thai forces reclaimed a border area in Chanthaburi province previously used as a Cambodian military position.

RAdm Parach Rattanachaiyapan, spokesperson for the Royal Thai Navy, said the Chanthaburi–Trat Border Defense Command secured the area around Ban Nong Ree and, during clearance operations, discovered 16 ready-to-use anti-personnel landmines that had been modified from anti-tank mines. He said the devices posed an indiscriminate and severe threat to both troops and civilians.

Thai authorities also reported finding Cambodian military documents at the Phlu Kdramrey Base, also known as Ban Sam Lang. The documents detailed training in the use of PMN-2 anti-personnel landmines, including their characteristics, deployment, and clearance, with training dated Oct. 7, 2024. The Navy said the materials show systematic and ongoing training rather than isolated or accidental use, indicating intent to deploy anti-personnel landmines against Thailand.

The Navy said such actions violate international obligations, including the 1997 Ottawa Convention banning anti-personnel landmines and Additional Protocol I to the Geneva Conventions, which requires distinction between military targets and civilians.

#Thailand #Cambodia #ไทยกัมพูชา #ชายแดนไทยกัมพูชา