Thai Soldiers Injured by Landmines Amid Fragile Ceasefire

In a troubling development, three Thai soldiers sustained injuries after encountering a landmine while patrolling near the Cambodian border. This incident comes on the heels of a recently brokered ceasefire between Thailand and Cambodia following a violent five-day conflict. One soldier suffered the loss of a foot, while two others incurred wounds from the explosion, according to the Royal Thai Armed Forces.

Cambodia's defence ministry has not yet confirmed the occurrence from its frontline forces, while emphasizing its adherence to the ceasefire terms. In contrast, Thailand accuses Cambodia of violating the treaty against landmines and plans to file a formal complaint, asserting that the explosion took place within Thai territory in a supposedly cleared area.

This marks the third such mine-related injury incident for Thai soldiers in recent weeks, inflaming long-standing tensions and recalling the contentious artillery exchanges between the countries just months ago. Despite the latest ceasefire extension and the involvement of ASEAN observers to prevent further hostilities, differences in narrative risk undermining peace efforts.

(With inputs from agencies.)