Acting prime minister Phumtham Wechayachai accused Cambodia of planting landmines in the disputed border region where a clash in May injured a Thai soldier.

Thai Sergeant Pichitchai Boonkorat was seriously injured, losing his right leg, after stepping on a landmine in the disputed area near the Ta Moan Thom temple around 4:55 PM today.

In protest, Thailand expelled the Cambodian ambassador and recalled its ambassador from Phnom Penh. This move signifies a serious downgrade in diplomatic relations between the two countries.

The Thai government also ordered the immediate closure of all border checkpoints under the jurisdiction of Military Region 2, halting all travel to these checkpoints and the Ta Moan Thom temple.

Acting prime minister Phumtham Wechayachai speaks to the media in Bangkok on 3/7. Photo: AFP

Acting prime minister Phumtham Wechayachai speaks to the media in Bangkok on 3/7. Photo: AFP

Phumtham emphasized that investigations showed no prior presence of landmines in the area. "This shows that these are newly planted mines, all appearing at the same time. Therefore, we have escalated our response to the most appropriate level," he said.

National Police Chief Kitrat Panphet announced the deployment of riot control units to the border with Cambodia, especially near Ta Moan Thom temple. "This is a precautionary measure against any situation that may arise in the historically sensitive area," Kitrat said.

Cambodia has not yet responded to Thailand's decision. The Cambodian military previously stated that the border area is littered with landmines left over from past conflicts, many of which were planted by Thailand decades ago.

Relations between Cambodia and Thailand have been tense following a shooting incident between the two countries' forces in the undemarcated border area near Preah Vihear temple in late May, which killed a Cambodian soldier. Both sides claimed to have acted in self-defense.

Huyen Le (AFP, Nation Thailand)