Thai army spokesperson Winthai Suvaree said Sergeant Teerapon Phiakhantee of the 2610th Ranger Company stepped on a landmine near the Jub Ta Moke base in Surin province, northeastern Thailand. The incident occurred east of the Ta Moan Thom temple, about 1 km from the Cambodian border.

"The explosion created a crater about 1 meter wide, with fragments of a PMN-2 mine scattered around," Winthai said, adding that the soldier suffered serious injuries to his left leg.

Thai expert handles a landmine near the Cambodian border. Photo: Thai Army

Thai expert handles a landmine near the Cambodian border. Photo: Thai Army

Colonel Winthai claimed the mine "was planted to target Thai soldiers operating on Thai territory," accusing Cambodia of violating the ceasefire agreement and the landmine ban treaty.

Cambodian officials have not yet commented. Cambodia has repeatedly denied accusations of planting mines along the border with Thailand, claiming that Thai soldiers strayed from agreed-upon routes and stepped on old mines left over from the war.

This is the 4th time in recent weeks that the Thai military has reported soldiers being injured by landmines while patrolling the border. The most recent incident occurred on 9/8 in Sisaket province, injuring three Thai soldiers.

Location of the Ta Moan Thom temple and other disputed temples between Cambodia and Thailand. Graphic: CNA

Location of the Ta Moan Thom temple and other disputed temples between Cambodia and Thailand. Graphic: CNA

Fighting between Cambodia and Thailand broke out near the Ta Moan Thom temple on the morning of 24/7 and later spread to other areas along the border.

This was the most serious clash between the two neighbors in over 10 years, resulting in a total of 43 deaths on both sides.

Cambodia and Thailand reached a ceasefire agreement on 28/7, following talks in Malaysia. Military leaders from both countries agreed not to deploy or move additional troops along the border to enforce the ceasefire.

Nguyen Tien (Nation, AFP, Reuters)