Thailand’s prime minister has suspended all work with Cambodia under KL declaration, following this morning’s landmine blast and serious injuries caused to Thai soldiers.
Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul ordered the immediate suspension of all activities and cooperation with Cambodia under the Joint Declaration signed in Kuala Lumpur.
“All operations under the Joint Declaration on Thai-Cambodian Relations, signed in Kuala Lumpur on October 26th, must be halted immediately,” he reiterated.
“The hostility we hoped would subside clearly has not. Following this morning’s incident, cooperation cannot continue for now,” said Anutin.
The incident occurred at around 9.30am, as troops from the Suranaree Task Force were on patrol near Huai Tamaria, in Kantharalak district of the border province of Si Sa Ket.
Two soldiers were wounded, Sgt. Therdsak Samaphong, who suffered a severed right foot, and Pvt. Watchira Phanthana, who sustained chest injuries from the blast wave.
Sergeant Therdsak Samaphong, who suffered a severed right ankle//Photo by Thai News Agency
Both were airlifted to Sunpasitthiprasong Hospital in Ubon Ratchathani province for treatment. Anutin has altered his schedule and will visit the injured soldiers tomorrow.
Therdsak is the sixth Thai military officer to lose a limb to landmines recently laid by Cambodian forces.
Anutin told reporters that he has been briefed by the 2nd Army Region and fully supports the Defense Ministry’s response to the incident, saying “At this point, all activities must stop until there is clarity.”
He said that he has instructed both the Defence and Foreign Ministries that any future progress will only proceed if it serves the nation’s interests.
Defense Minister Gen Nattaphon Nakpanich said initial an investigation located the blast site to be in an area between the Phra Wihan and Phu Makhua mountains. The territory is now under Thai control, but is from where the Cambodian forces have been pushed back.
“Preliminary findings suggest the landmine was newly planted, though this is still under investigation,” said the defense minister.
“Formal protests will be filed right away,” Gen. Nattaphon said. “As for the matter of prisoners of war, that will be put on hold for now. If it turns out that this was intentional, there will be more serious consequences.”
Meanwhile, government spokesman Siripong Angkasakulkiat confirmed that the administration views the incident is entirely unacceptable, adding that all ongoing actions under the Joint Declaration, including the planned repatriation of 18 Cambodian prisoners of war scheduled for Wednesday, have been suspended.
“The government is not backing down,” Siripong said. “The prime minister’s priority is restoring peace and normality, especially along the border. Today’s incident clearly shows, however, that tensions have not eased. Everything that has taken place in the past week must now be paused until this matter is resolved.”
When asked whether the suspension is indefinite, Siripong said there has been no timeframe set.
“It’s too early to say that it is ‘indefinite’,” he said. “Once the protest has been filed, we will assess our next steps. For now, everything must stop until the landmine issue is clarified.”
He added that the government will inform international observers of the incident through the recognised channels.
