Thais hurt in landmine blast [-Were the Thai soldiers trying to trespass into Cambodia?]

Cambodians build a concrete road to Preah Vihear temple to help troop movements in the disputed area near Phu Ma Khua. Thailand opposes the construction of the road. JETJARAS NA RANONG

Cambodians accused of 'expanding presence'

25/02/2011
Wassana Nanuam
Bangkok Post

SI SA KET : Two Thai soldiers have been seriously injured after stepping on landmines while patrolling Phu Ma Khua along the Cambodian border.

The incident occurred about 4pm yesterday.

The two were later identified as Sgt Pornpiboon Ngaosuwan and Cpl Sumet Boonsalee of the 16th Infantry Battalion in Yasothon province.

They have been admitted to Kantharalak district hospital in Si Sa Ket province.

Landmine kills Cambodian soldier at border: commander

PHNOM PENH, Dec 22 (AFP) - A Cambodian soldier has died after stepping on an old landmine near an ancient border temple that has been the scene of bloody clashes with Thailand, a commander said Tuesday.

The incident happened on Monday evening near the ancient eastern staircases of the 11th century Preah Vihear temple, said Major General Srey Doek, who oversees military operations in the area.

"The soldier stepped on an old landmine and lost both of his legs. He died at a hospital due to bleeding," he said.

The border with Thailand has never been fully demarcated, in part because it is littered with landmines left over from decades of war in Cambodia.

There have been deadly skirmishes between the two countries on the disputed frontier since the ruins were granted UN World Heritage status in July 2008.

Although the World Court ruled in 1962 that the ancient Khmer temple belonged to Cambodia, the most accessible entrance to it is in northeastern Thailand.

Landmine explosion in Preah Vihear

02 April 2009
By L.D.
Cambodge Soir Hebdo
Translated from French by Luc Sâr
Click here to read the article in French

A new incident took place along the border in the morning of Thursday 02 April, in the zone controlled by the Thai army.

Thai soldiers caused a landmine explosion in front of Veal Entry on 02 April at about 8AM, military source indicated.

When asked by “Cambodge Soir Hebdo,” Phay Siphan, spokesman of the Council of Ministers, confirmed that he heard about an explosion and he indicated that he would travel to the spot.

Other sources also report an increase in tension and maneuvers in the Preah Vihear border zone.

Thai soldier killed while stepping on a landmine near Preah Vihear temple

Tuesday, November 18, 2008
Everyday.com.kh
Translation from Khmer by Socheata

A Thai soldier patrolling near Preah Vihear temple stepped on a landmine and was killed in the afternoon of 16 November. This death increases the number of Thai aggression soldier casualties to about 20. According to a report published by a Thai newspaper on 17 November, the landmine explosion that took the life of a Thai soldier took place in the afternoon of 16 November, near the Daun Av pass, located about 3 km from the Preah Vihear temple. General Kanuk Netrakakvesa, commander of the Thai Surani army unit, indicated that the 22-year-old Thai soldier who was killed was attached to Army Unit No. 2 from Ubon Ratchani province. This soldier stepped on the landmine and was killed on the spot. Thai army officials indicated that this Thai soldier was talking to his relatives on his cellphone during his patrol when he stepped on the landmine that killed him. This incident caused a lot of emotion among his relatives.

Troops ready to fight following another landmine explosion

Thursday, October 30, 2008
Everyday.com.kh
Translated from Khmer by Socheata

A report form the border indicated that Cambodian troops were getting ready to fight following a landmine explosion which took place on Tuesday night. RFA reported that Cambodian troops at various locations stationed in front of Thai soldiers in Veal Entry (Eagle Field) in Phnom Troap, and in the frontline near Preah Vihear temple, were getting ready to fight again between Tuesday night and Wednesday 29 October, following the sound of a landmine explosion which took place during Tuesday night, at about 250-meter from the Veal Entry line. According to Cambodian troops, following the sound of landmine explosion, both frontline Cambodian and Thai soldiers plunged into their trenches getting ready to fight again, and the confusion among both troops continued on until Wednesday.