Landmine Explosion along the Thailand–Cambodia Border

On 16 July 2025, a landmine explosion in the disputed Chong Bok border area of Ubon Ratchathani province, Thailand, injured three Thai soldiers, one severely enough to require leg amputation. The Thai government has accused Cambodian forces of deliberately planting new landmines in the contested zone, which would violate Cambodia’s obligations under the 1997 Ottawa Mine Ban Treaty. Cambodia has denied these allegations, stating the soldiers triggered old unexploded ordnance from past conflicts and had deviated from agreed patrol routes.

This incident significantly heightened tensions between the two nations in the lead-up to the more severe clashes on 24 July. The United Nations has expressed particular concern about the use of landmines given their disproportionate impact on civilian populations in border regions. A UN Mine Action Service (UNMAS) assessment team has been requested to investigate the incident’s circumstances, while diplomatic channels work to prevent further escalation. The episode underscores the fragile security situation along the Thailand-Cambodia border and the urgent need for renewed demining cooperation and confidence-building measures between the two nations.