Thailand Protests Cambodia After 11th Soldier Loses Leg to Landmine

BANGKOK, Dec 30 (TNA) - Thailand has issued a formal protest and condemnation against Cambodia after a Thai soldier became the 11th service member to lose a limb to a landmine along the disputed border.

Sergeant Major Third Class Sujin Jitkreeyan, an army engineer, was severely injured Monday while clearing PMN-2 anti-personnel mines at Khao Satta Som in Sisaket province. He was airlifted to Surin Hospital for emergency surgery on his left leg and eye.

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The Thai Army and Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) allege the mines were recently planted by Cambodian forces, calling it a "blatant violation" of the Ottawa Convention, which bans anti-personnel mines.

This is a clear breach of Thai sovereignty and international obligations, the MFA said in a statement, adding that it will pursue the matter through the Mine Ban Treaty’s legal mechanisms.

Bangkok is calling for an ASEAN-led investigation and demanding Cambodia cooperate in demining efforts as per previous bilateral agreements.  -819 (TNA)