BANGKOK, Aug. 12 (Xinhua) -- Another Thai soldier was injured in a landmine explosion on Tuesday morning during a patrol mission along the Thai-Cambodian border, the Thai Army said.
Thai army spokesperson Winthai Suvaree said that the incident occurred at around 9:10 a.m. local time, when Thai soldiers were conducting a routine patrol mission along the Thai border on a designated route approximately one km from Ta Muen Thom temple in Surin province.
According to Winthai, one soldier stepped on an anti-personnel landmine "covertly planted by the Cambodian side," resulting in severe injuries to his left ankle. He is receiving treatment at a local hospital.
Winthai condemned Cambodia's violation of the ceasefire agreement and the Ottawa Convention banning anti-personnel mines, adding that similar incidents have occurred multiple times in the border areas.
Thailand has never initiated attacks, but if compelled by circumstances, it may be necessary to exercise the right of self-defense under international law principles, Winthai said.
Armed clashes between Thai and Cambodian forces erupted on July 24 along their border. The two countries agreed to a ceasefire on the afternoon of July 28, which took effect at midnight on the same day. ■
