Gen Nattaphon said yesterday (Sept 2) there was clear evidence that Cambodian soldiers were laying landmines in Thai territory near the border with provocative intention.
He said improvised landmines found near Ta Kwai temple ruins in Thailand’s Surin province were made with Cambodian mortar shells, reports the Bangkok Post.
“At this stage I have given two instructions. Evidence will be presented, along with a protest, through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and there must be patrols and surveillance efforts.
“Action can be taken if they [Cambodians] show up to lay explosives. As I have said, if they arrive to lay them, they will return home as spirits,” Gen Nattaphon said.
Since July 16, six Thai soldiers have each lost a leg after stepping on Cambodian landmines in Thai territory along the border.
Thailand has complained to the international community that Cambodia’s ongoing use of landmines along the border violates the Ottawa Treaty, which bans anti-personnel landmines, and the recent ceasefire agreement between Thailand and Cambodia.