Thai soldier latest landmine casualty as Bangkok mulls military options

Bangkok is considering military options after another Thai soldier lost a foot in a landmine explosion this afternoon in Surin province, Lt Gen Boonsin Padklang, commander of the Second Army Region, said.

He condemned Cambodia for repeatedly violating the ceasefire agreement and the Ottawa Convention by planting new anti-personnel landmines.

Private Adisorn Pomklang, from the 1st Infantry Battalion, 23rd Infantry Regiment, stepped on a landmine at about 3.45pm, while on duty near Prasat Ta Kwai in Phanom Dong Rak district of Surin province.

He sustained severe injuries, including the loss of his right foot.

Lt Gen Boonsin said Hill 350, at Prasat Ta Kwai, is an area manned by Cambodian troops and littered with anti-personnel landmines. Thai soldiers were conducting a patrol when an explosive detection device failed to detect the device, as the mine was made of plastic. He added that the mine is believed to have been laid recently by Cambodia.