Bangkok – Thailand has recalled its ambassador from Phnom Penh and declared the Cambodian envoy in Bangkok persona non grata following a landmine explosion that severely injured a Thai soldier near the disputed border. Acting Prime Minister Phumtham Wechayachai announced the diplomatic downgrade Thursday, calling Cambodia’s alleged planting of explosives on Thai soil “unacceptable.”

Thailand Condemns Cambodia Over Landmine Blast That Injured Five Soldiers

The crisis erupted Wednesday evening when a patrol unit in Ubon Ratchathani’s Chong An Ma area triggered a blast that amputated a soldier’s right leg. Second Army Region commander Lt. Gen. Boonsin Phadklang confirmed the device appeared freshly laid, marking the second such incident in a week after three troops were wounded by Russian-made PMN-2 mines in nearby Chong Bok last week.

In a sweeping response, Thailand will:

• Seal four border checkpoints (Chong An Ma, Chong Sa-ngam, Chong Chom, Chong Sai Taku)

• Close the historic Ta Muen Thom and Ta Kwai temple complexes

• Submit a formal protest accusing Cambodia of violating the Ottawa Mine Ban Treaty

Thailand Recalls Ambassador to Cambodia, Downgrades Ties Over Landmine Incident https://t.co/X4Dyr4Hugp @TNAMCOT

— TNAMCOT English (@TNAMCOTEnglish) July 23, 2025

“The army’s border closures have full government support,” Phumtham stated, as authorities prepared evidence for international tribunals. The moves effectively freeze cross-border trade and tourism worth billions of baht annually.

The escalating confrontation revives decades-old tensions along the 798-km boundary, where competing claims over ancient temples and resource-rich zones have sparked deadly clashes. Analysts warn the landmine disputes risk destabilizing ASEAN’s fragile peace framework as both nations mobilize troops near contested zones.

Thailand Condemns Cambodia Over Border Landmine Deployment

Cambodia has yet to respond to Thailand’s allegations, but historical precedent suggests the conflict may require third-party mediation. The UN has previously documented over 64,000 landmine casualties in Cambodia since 1979—a grim legacy now threatening regional relations anew.

-Thailand News (TN)