Thai military reports Cambodian troops opened fire in border area.

Thai military reports Cambodian troops opened fire in border area.

Thailand has accused Cambodia of planting landmines in a disputed border area, leading to a series of escalating tensions between the two Southeast Asian neighbors. The latest incident occurred on July 16, when three Thai soldiers were injured, with one losing a foot, after stepping on a landmine while on a routine patrol near the Thai-Cambodian border [1].

Thai authorities have since discovered 10 freshly laid Russian-made PMN-2 type landmines in the area, which are not used or stockpiled by Thailand. This has been met with a strong response from Thailand, which has accused Cambodia of violating the country's sovereignty and territorial integrity [1]. The Thai Foreign Ministry has called for accountability from Cambodia under the Ottawa Treaty, which prohibits the use, stockpiling, transfer, and production of anti-personnel mines [1].

Cambodia, however, has denied the allegations, stating that the soldiers had strayed from agreed patrol routes into areas containing unexploded landmines left over from decades of war. The country is littered with landmines, with an estimated 4 to 6 million scattered across the country [1]. The Cambodia Mine Action Centre reports that five people were killed and a dozen injured by mines and unexploded ordnance in the first four months of 2025 [1].

The landmine incident has flared into a broader diplomatic dispute, with Thailand recalling its ambassador to Cambodia and expelling Cambodia’s ambassador. Thailand has also closed border crossings and withdrawn its ambassador in response to the landmine explosions [2]. The incident has destabilized the Thai government, with the Prime Minister suspended from office following a phone call with Cambodia’s former Prime Minister Hun Sen, which was leaked and sparked public outrage [3].

The border conflict began in late May with an exchange of gunfire in a disputed area that killed a Cambodian soldier. Since then, both countries have massed troops along the frontier and limited land crossings that serve as vital trade routes [3]. The dispute has also rattled Thailand’s domestic politics, with the former Prime Minister facing allegations of ethical misconduct related to her handling of the border issue [3].

In response to the landmine incidents, Thailand has launched a diplomatic campaign against Cambodia. The government has briefed foreign military attachés and diplomats stationed in Bangkok and is seeking action under the United Nations’ Anti-Personnel Mine Ban Convention, while also engaging in bilateral efforts to resolve the dispute [3].

The border conflict between Thailand and Cambodia is a longstanding issue, with historical enmity between the two nations. Despite the escalating tensions, both countries have maintained a long history of border disputes, with the latest conflict serving as a reminder of the ongoing challenges in the region [4].

References:
[1] Reuters. (2025, July 21). Landmine dispute escalates tensions between Thailand and Cambodia. Retrieved from https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/landmine-dispute-escalates-tensions-between-thailand-cambodia-2025-07-21/
[2] ABC News. (2025, July 23). Thailand closes border crossings with Cambodia, recalls ambassador. Retrieved from https://abcnews.go.com/International/wireStory/thailand-closes-border-crossings-cambodia-recalls-ambassador-tensions-124001234
[3] Bloomberg. (2025, July 23). Thailand recalls ambassador from Cambodia, downgrading ties as dispute escalates. Retrieved from https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2025-07-23/thailand-recalls-ambassador-from-cambodia-downgrading-ties-as-dispute-escalates
[4] Channel NewsAsia. (2025, July 23). Thailand-Cambodia tensions: Ambassador recalled, envoy expelled over border dispute. Retrieved from https://www.channelnewsasia.com/asia/thailand-cambodia-tensions-recall-ambassador-expel-envoy-border-dispute-5254361