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The Thailand Mine Action Centre (TMAC) targeted Cambodia following the discovery of PMN-2 anti-personnel landmines in a region once controlled by Cambodian forces, and subsequently urged Phnom Penh to show its dedication to the ceasefire pact.

A spokesperson for TMAC, Col Siwa Whang-akat, stated that an examination of a deserted Cambodian military installation near the border in Si Sa Ket revealed signs indicating that Cambodian troops utilized anti-personnel landmines.

The evidence discovered consists of notebooks detailing mine-laying activities, GPS locations, and documentation of PMN-2 mine distribution, he stated.

The finding suggests that disputed regions along the border are heavily laden with landmines, presenting ongoing dangers to both military personnel and local residents.

Following the signing of the ceasefire agreement during the third special session of the General Border Committee (GBC) at midday on Saturday, Thai authorities inspected border regions in Buri Ram and discovered remnants of BM-21 rockets spread throughout agricultural land.

The survey also showed extensive damage, particularly in Ban Sai Tho village, located in the Saitaku sub-district of Buri Ram’s Ban Kruat district.

The village chief of Ban Sai Tho mentioned that in a single area, 14 rockets were found, along with numerous other unexploded weapons spread throughout the settlement.

Shortly after the truce agreement was finalized, a Thai military personnel sustained severe injuries on Saturday at 12:19 pm while conducting a patrol near Sattasom Hill in the Sao Thong Chai sub-district, located within the Kantharalak district of Si Sa Ket.

A soldier from Infantry Company 112, Battalion 12 was on patrol in the region when Private Narin Ngaoprai triggered a PMN-2 landmine, resulting in the loss of his right leg. This marked the 10th occurrence of Thai personnel being injured by landmines along the border, according to TMAC.

Col Siwa stated that the event represented a breach of the Ottawa Convention, which prohibits the use of anti-personnel landmines. Thailand and Cambodia are both parties to the agreement.

The spokesperson called on Cambodia to collaborate by revealing the locations of the mines to aid in demining operations and promote lasting peace.

Thai and Cambodian authorities are collaborating on a shared declaration intended to reduce conflicts and bring back peace along the frontier.

Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc.Syndigate.info).