Three Thai soldiers sustained injuries on Saturday following a landmine explosion along the country’s border with Cambodia, just days after both nations reached a ceasefire agreement to end their most violent clashes in decades.
According to the AFP, the incident occurred at about 10:00 a.m. local time (03:00 GMT) in Sisaket province. One soldier suffered a severe leg injury, another sustained wounds to his back and arm, while the third experienced significant ear trauma due to extreme pressure from the blast.
The explosion comes barely two weeks after intense fighting left at least 43 people dead between July 25 and July 29. The clashes — which involved air strikes, artillery fire, rockets, and ground battles — were triggered by a longstanding dispute over border temples. The confrontation forced more than 300,000 people on both sides of the 800-kilometre boundary to flee their homes.
Thailand’s acting Prime Minister, Phumtham Wechayachai, who was in neighbouring Surin province on Saturday, instructed military officials to ensure the injured soldiers receive comprehensive medical care.
“We must prioritise the wellbeing of our troops. Every injured soldier will get the best possible treatment,” Mr. Wechayachai said.
The recent ceasefire deal, reached after mediation efforts that included intervention from former U.S. President Donald Trump, was reaffirmed during a meeting of defence officials in Kuala Lumpur on Thursday.
Despite the agreement, the latest incident has raised concerns over the fragility of peace in the border region.
“Our commitment to peace remains firm, but this tragic event reminds us that the situation is still volatile,” a Royal Thai Military spokesperson said.