Bangkok, Aug 12: Thailand’s army has warned that it may need to exercise the right of self-defense in response to ongoing incidents it blames on Cambodia, where Thai soldiers patrolling along the two countries’ border have been wounded by land mines.
A sergeant was injured by an anti-personnel landmine planted by the Cambodian side, resulting in severe injuries to his left ankle.
The incident and the Thai reaction indicate the precariousness of the ceasefire that took effect on July 29 with the aim of ending five days of armed clashes over disputed territory along their border.
The fighting killed dozens of people on both sides, including civilians, and displaced more than 260,000.
The incident was the fourth of its kind in about a month and the second since the ceasefire.
Both countries are parties to the international agreement, and Thailand has consistently adhered to peaceful approaches
However, if circumstances become compelling, it may be necessary to exercise the right of self-defense under international law principles to resolve situations that cause Thailand to continuously lose personnel due to violations of ceasefire agreements and sovereignty encroachments by Cambodian military forces. (AP)
