In a dramatic turn of events, Thailand has downgraded its diplomatic ties with Cambodia following a fresh landmine explosion along their border. The incident injured five Thai soldiers – one of whom suffered severe leg injuries – and has sent shockwaves through an already tense border region. ⚠️
Acting Prime Minister Phumtham Wechayachai announced that Thailand is recalling its ambassador from Cambodia and expelling the Cambodian ambassador from Thailand. The Prime Minister's Office stressed that this move is part of a broader review of the Thailand-Cambodia relationship, while the Ministry of Foreign Affairs has been instructed to submit a formal letter of protest.
Cambodia, however, has firmly rejected the Thai accusations. Lieutenant General Maly Socheata, spokesperson for Cambodia’s Ministry of National Defense, explained that the incident occurred because Thai troops strayed from the mutually agreed patrol routes outlined in the 2000 Memorandum of Understanding. She reminded everyone that the border area remains riddled with mines and war remnants that require careful navigation.
This incident is part of a series of unsettling events along the border, including a deadly gunfire exchange in late May that claimed the life of a Cambodian soldier and another recent landmine explosion injuring three Thai soldiers. With tensions mounting on both sides, the call for a peaceful resolution based on international law has never been louder. Stay tuned for more updates as this high-stakes border saga unfolds!
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Thailand downgrades ties with Cambodia over border landmine incident
cgtn.com
