The Royal Thai Army confirmed that a PMN-2 anti-personnel landmine that injured four soldiers near the Cambodian border was deliberately planted by Cambodian forces after last month’s peace agreement, escalating tensions and potentially collapsing the fragile ceasefire. The explosion occurred Monday morning near Huai Ta Maria in Sisaket Province during a routine patrol, marking the first serious breach of the Kuala Lumpur Peace Accord signed October 26, 2025.
Military spokesman Gen Nattapon stated the area had been thoroughly cleared of mines following the peace deal, making the discovery of a newly-placed PMN-2 mine evidence of deliberate violation. Investigators found cut barbed wire nearby, suggesting Cambodian soldiers infiltrated Thai territory to plant the explosive device sometime after the agreement took effect. The four injured soldiers were evacuated for medical treatment, with two sustaining serious wounds.
The Kuala Lumpur Peace Accord, brokered by Malaysia as ASEAN chair, was designed to end months of deadly clashes that killed 43 people in July when Thai F-16s conducted airstrikes on Cambodian positions. The agreement called for both nations to cease hostilities, withdraw forces from contested areas, and cooperate on border demarcation. Thailand had begun demobilizing troops and clearing mines in good faith, while Cambodia pledged to respect the ceasefire.
This alleged violation represents a severe escalation. Thai Defense Ministry officials called the action “a deliberate act of aggression” that violates international law and the peace accord’s terms. Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul summoned an emergency security council meeting and ordered reinforcements—including armor and artillery—to border provinces including Sa Kaeo, Surin, and Sisaket. The army has constructed 260 battle trenches at forward outposts and placed Burapha Task Force on high alert.
Cambodia’s government has not responded to the allegations. The incident occurs amid already heightened tensions after Thailand suspended the peace agreement Sunday following the landmine blast. Interior Minister Anutin had cited Cambodia’s “recklessness” and failure to observe the declaration, while Cambodian officials previously accused Thailand of military expansion.
The PMN-2 mine is a Soviet-era anti-personnel explosive designed to maim infantry. Its use against patrolling soldiers suggests intent to inflict casualties rather than destroy equipment. The fact that Thai forces had cleared the exact location weeks earlier makes the new placement particularly provocative, indicating Cambodian forces may have conducted cross-border incursions specifically to plant the device.
This development threatens to plunge the region back into open conflict. The 817-kilometer disputed border has been a flashpoint for decades, with periodic artillery exchanges and troop buildups. If confirmed as state-sponsored sabotage, this mine placement could trigger retaliatory strikes and unravel ASEAN mediation efforts.
With both nations now mobilizing forces and accusing each other of bad faith, the risk of broader military confrontation looms. The peace accord’s collapse within weeks of signing demonstrates the deep-seated mistrust and territorial disputes that continue to fuel Southeast Asia’s most dangerous border crisis.
