Gen Nattapon visits injured soldiers, urges Cambodia to clear old landmines, warns against violating MOU

Thailand's Deputy Defence Minister assures full care for injured soldiers after landmine incident and calls on Cambodia to remove old landmines, warning against violations of MOU 43.

Deputy Defence Minister General Nattapon Nakpanich on Thursday visited and offered his support to soldiers injured in a landmine explosion near Hill 481, Nam Yuen District, Ubon Ratchathani Province. Three soldiers were injured, with one suffering a severed left ankle and two others injured by the blast.



Nattapon confirmed that the Royal Thai Army would provide full support for all injured personnel. The soldier who lost a limb will receive a total of approximately 900,000 baht in compensation, along with a 50,000-baht royal donation. Additionally, monthly allowances of 15,600 baht will be provided after medical treatment, with a further 2,000 baht if additional rewards are granted. The other two soldiers with minor injuries will receive 10,000 baht each.



Nattapon reassured the public that the army is fully prepared to take care of the situation. He also urged increased vigilance for patrols along the border. Authorities are currently investigating whether the landmine involved was old or new, with initial findings suggesting it may be an old mine that had not been cleared. The Thai military has already coordinated with the Cambodian army to accelerate the mine clearance process.

However, he said, if it is confirmed that the landmine is new, this would be a violation of MOU 43, which clearly states that the area should remain unchanged, and weapons should not be used. If this is the case, Thailand will raise a formal protest with Cambodia, said the Deputy Minister.

Nattapon also clarified that Thailand is not responsible for the closure of the border checkpoint, as claimed by Cambodia. The Thai-Cambodian border remains open as usual, with only specific operating hours in place. The border gate at Chong Sangam, Sisaket Province, is open from 8:00 AM to 10:00 PM, with exceptions made for students and patients. However, the Cambodian side remains closed 24 hours a day, with a recent order banning the crossing to collect medicine and medical supplies from Thailand.

Nattapon confirmed that Thailand will soon ease border restrictions to allow the transportation of goods, following complaints from businesses affected by the inability to deliver products, resulting in breach of contracts and financial liabilities. This decision will be made in accordance with human rights principles, while Thailand has no authority over the Cambodian side of the border.

(2025/07/18-00:00)