Bangkok: The Royal Thai Army has reported a critical incident involving Thai soldiers stepping on landmines at Khao Sattasom, which is considered a violation of the Ottawa Convention. The Army plans to present this matter to the international community.

According to Thai News Agency, Major General Winthai Suwaree, spokesperson for the Royal Thai Army, stated that the 2nd Army Area documented an occurrence where a mine-scanning team from the 8th Engineer Battalion, 1st Cavalry Division, encountered an anti-personnel landmine while conducting security duties in the Khao Sattasom area, Kantaralak District, Sisaket Province. Sergeant Major Suchint Jitkriyaan suffered serious injuries, including the loss of his left leg and damage to his left eye. He was provided with immediate first aid and later transferred to Surin Hospital for additional treatment.

The spokesperson further explained that initial assessments suggest a significant number of landmines planted by the Cambodian side remain in the area, particularly in regions previously controlled by Thai forces before the ceasefire. Thai officials are actively working to clear these mines, although they face challenges due to the dangerous terrain. An investigation is underway to gather detailed evidence at the scene. The Army intends to submit all findings to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs for official communication to the international community, highlighting the breach of the Ottawa Convention. Additionally, a report will be forwarded to the ASEAN Observer Team (AOT) for verification within the framework of the ceasefire agreement.

The Royal Thai Army asserts that evidence of anti-personnel mine deployment clearly indicates ongoing use by the Cambodian side, representing a serious breach of international obligations under the Ottawa Convention. This action is incompatible with international humanitarian principles and is deemed unacceptable by the international community.