SA KAEO, Thailand — An anti-tank mine of unknown origin was discovered by the Thai army’s explosive ordnance disposal (EOD) team in the Khok Sung district near the Cambodian border on Friday afternoon, according to official statements. The incident has intensified security operations and renewed attention on longstanding border disputes between Thailand and Cambodia.
Discovery and Security Response
The EOD team, utilizing an armored bulldozer, located the mine at Ban Nong Ya Kaeo around 2 p.m. Authorities indicated the device appeared to have been recently placed, raising suspicions it may have been planted by individuals from across the border. The Sa Kaeo Public Relations Office later confirmed that three live PMN anti-personnel mines were also found and safely neutralized by EOD teams.
In response, seven EOD teams equipped with detection tools and armored vehicles have been deployed to search for additional landmines. The operation is expected to continue for three to four days to ensure the area’s safety, according to Col. Chainarong Kasi, commander of Task Force 12.
Border Tensions and Civilian Gatherings
The discovery comes amid heightened tensions in the border communities of Ban Nong Ya Kaeo and Ban Nong Chan, where residents of both Thai and Cambodian descent have gathered. On Friday, approximately 200 Thai civilians, vendors, and journalists assembled in Ban Nong Chan as activist Veera Somkwamkid led a demonstration calling for the removal of Cambodian settlers from disputed areas. Veera issued an ultimatum to Thai authorities, demanding action by October 31.
A previous deadline set by the Sa Kaeo governor on October 10 passed without any evictions. Many Cambodian families have lived in these communities since fleeing civil conflict over four decades ago, and the area remains a focal point for bilateral disputes.
Official and Civil Society Actions
The Gun Jompalang Foundation, led by activist Guntouch Pongpaiboonwet, has provided logistical support to the Burapha Task Force, including shipping containers. Guntouch has drawn attention for unconventional protest tactics, such as playing loud recordings and threatening to use septic tankers against Cambodian protesters.
On the Cambodian side, 30 to 40 civilians, soldiers, police, and reporters have been observed monitoring Thai activities. Cambodian officials have also called for the release of 18 soldiers detained in Thailand since a border conflict in July. Thai authorities maintain that the soldiers are prisoners of war and will be repatriated only after a permanent ceasefire is established.
Broader Security Measures and Regional Implications
The First Army Region reported that troops are conducting two primary missions: clearing unexploded ordnance in Aranyaprathet and Khok Sung districts, and facilitating transparency with international media. Drone surveys and demining efforts have restored over 38,000 square meters of land for residents holding valid titles.
In a related development, the Royal Thai Navy has begun dismantling 17 Cambodian-built structures, including a casino complex, encroaching on Thai territory in Trat province. Officials emphasized that these operations are intended to assert Thai sovereignty while maintaining cooperation with Cambodian authorities. Three smaller structures have already been removed without incident.
The recent discovery of an anti-tank mine in Sa Kaeo underscores ongoing security challenges along the Thai-Cambodian border. Authorities continue to balance safety, sovereignty, and humanitarian considerations as they address complex cross-border issues.
The story Thai army finds anti-tank mine in Sa Kaeo border area as seen on Thaiger News.
