Bangkok: A recent investigation into the landmine explosion that reignited border clashes between Thailand and Cambodia has revealed that the devices were likely planted in recent months, deepening tensions between the neighboring countries.
Experts who reviewed images and data from the blast site near Thailand’s Sisaket province said the mines appeared to be newly laid. While they could not confirm who was responsible, their assessment adds weight to Thailand’s claim that the explosives were not remnants from past conflicts but deliberately placed in disputed territory.
The explosion, which occurred in mid-July, severely injured a Thai soldier and triggered five days of intense fighting along the border. The skirmish saw artillery exchanges, drone activity, and hundreds of civilians fleeing nearby villages.
Thailand has accused Cambodia of deploying PMN-2 anti-personnel mines banned under international law in violation of the Ottawa Convention. At least six Thai soldiers have been wounded in similar incidents this year.
Cambodia strongly denies the allegations, arguing that the explosives could have been old devices left behind from the decades of war that plagued the region. Cambodian Mine Action officials said environmental conditions often make mines appear newer than they are.
Tensions between the two nations have simmered for years, particularly around disputed territories such as the ancient Preah Vihear Temple area. Despite both countries’ commitments to peace and mine clearance efforts, the border remains one of Southeast Asia’s most sensitive flashpoints.
Following the July clashes, Thailand called for a United Nations-led inquiry into the landmine issue and urged Cambodia to cooperate with international investigators. Diplomatic sources say the matter will be a key topic at the upcoming ASEAN Summit in Kuala Lumpur later this month, where leaders aim to finalize a peace accord to prevent further escalation.
Malaysia, which helped broker a temporary ceasefire in August, is expected to host discussions aimed at restoring calm and ensuring full compliance with international treaties. U.S. President Donald Trump has reportedly expressed interest in attending the summit’s peace deal signing ceremony.
Despite these diplomatic efforts, border patrol reports indicate sporadic mine-related incidents continue to occur. Analysts warn that without a transparent investigation and mutual trust, the fragile truce between Thailand and Cambodia could easily collapse.
The discovery of the recently laid mines serves as a stark reminder of how old disputes and new provocations can quickly spiral into conflict underscoring the urgent need for lasting peace and effective border management in the region.