Thailand Recalls Ambassador to Cambodia

BANGKOK, July 23 (TNA) – Thailand’s acting Prime Minister Phumtham Wechayachai on Wednesday ordered the recall of the country’s ambassador to Cambodia and the downgrading of diplomatic relations after a Thai soldier was seriously injured by a landmine on the border.

The announcement came after a patrol unit stepped on a landmine, causing a soldier to lose his leg and four others injured, marking the latest border incident. In response, the government also ordered the closure of all border checkpoints in the Second Army Area, which had been requested by the military.

“We have decided to reduce the diplomatic level by recalling our ambassador from Cambodia and sending the Cambodian ambassador here back to his country,” Phumtham, who also serves as Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Interior, told reporters.

The incident occurred at approximately 4:55 p.m. local time when a patrol from the 14th Infantry Regiment stepped on a landmine in Chong An Ma, Nam Yuen district.

Phumtham said a letter of protest had been submitted to Cambodia, stating that the landmine was new and had not been present during previous patrols in the area. -819 (TNA)