Thai Army Refutes Temple Capture Claim, Citing Cambodian Mines

BANGKOK, July 31 (TNA) – Thailand’s army on July 31 accused Cambodia of deploying anti-personnel landmines around Ta Khwai temple, refuting a Cambodian journalist’s claim of the temple’s capture.

This follows a July 30 post by Cambodian journalist Pheara Sarat, who shared a photo of himself with Cambodian soldiers at Ta Khwai temple, captioned “Cambodia has seized it.” However, the image also showed PMN-2 anti-personnel landmines placed near the temple structure.

Thai Army Spokesman Maj. Gen. Winthai Suvaree stated that while the Thai military currently controls most of the surrounding area, but cannot fully secure the temple itself due to extensive Cambodian mine deployment. He added that Thai forces held more surrounding territory after the ceasefire than before the recent clashes.

The Thai Army highlighted that the use of PMN-2 mines violates the Ottawa Treaty, which Cambodia is a signatory to, and is not only endangers soldiers but also civilians and heritage sites.

The spokesman cited the case of “Lieutenant Book,” a Thai soldier who lost a leg to a PMN-2 mine, as clear evidence of Cambodia’s use of forbidden tactics against Thai personnel. Thailand views Cambodia’s claim of capturing Ta Khwai Temple as a disinformation attempt.-819 (TNA)