Thailand has accused Cambodia of planting anti-personnel landmines in a disputed border area near the Chong Bok region in Ubon Ratchathani province. The mines were discovered after one detonated during a patrol on July 16, injuring three Thai soldiers and causing one to lose a foot.

Thailand’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs said that the PMN-2 anti-personnel mines found at the explosion site “were not of a type used by Thailand” and were recently laid in a “blatant violation of international law.”

Cambodia denied the accusation, claiming the soldiers triggered an old mine in disputed territory after deviating from agreed patrol routes. 

“Their incursion resulted in injury due to a landmine — a remnant of war,” Cambodian defence spokesperson Maly Socheata said. “Was this an intentional act designed to provoke tension that could escalate the situation into confrontation?”

On Monday, the Thai army announced that 10 freshly laid Russian-made PMN-2 anti-personnel mines were discovered between July 18 and 20 near the area where the soldiers were injured.

Lt Gen Boonsin Padklang, commander of Thailand’s 2nd Army Region, said the mines were recently planted, noting they were found on the surface, lacked vegetation cover, and were located 100 to 150 meters inside Thai territory.

“The pattern and condition confirm these are not remnants of war,” Boonsin said. “They were recently placed.”

The military continues mine-clearing operations in the area and warns that more devices may remain.

According to a press release issued by the Thai government, Thailand will raise the recent landmine incident at the upcoming meeting of the Anti-Personnel Mine Ban Convention, citing it as a clear violation of the treaty’s obligations.

Also known as the Ottawa Treaty, the Convention bans the use, stockpiling, production, and transfer of anti-personnel landmines.

Thailand will also issue a formal written protest to Cambodia, the statement added.