Sisaket: Urgent action has been ordered by General Nattapol Nakphanit, Minister of Defense, following an incident where a Thai soldier was injured by a landmine near Huai Ta Maria in Kantharalak District, Sisaket Province. The incident led to the postponement of a prisoner of war handover and the submission of a protest letter, with instructions for the Second Army Region commander to determine whether the landmine was newly placed.

According to Thai News Agency, General Nattapol addressed the media’s inquiries by revealing that he had consulted with General Chaiyaphruek Duangpraphat, Chief of Staff of the Royal Thai Army. The landmine incident occurred in a disputed area between Preah Vihear Temple and Phu Makhuea in Sisaket Province, a zone where Thai forces had previously pushed Cambodian troops back.

The Second Army Commander is currently tasked with investigating the origins of the mines. Preliminary assessments suggest they are new, prompting further investigation. The handover of prisoners of war to
Cambodia, planned prior to the incident, has been put on hold pending these findings.

General Natthapol confirmed that a protest against Cambodia would be lodged. He emphasized that any proven intentional act would necessitate a response beyond mere protest. Discussions regarding the prisoner of war situation are ongoing, contingent on the outcome of the investigation into the landmine incident.