• A Thai soldier lost his leg in a recent landmine explosion near the Cambodian border.
• Eleven Thai soldiers have been injured by landmines since July 16, with several losing their legs.
• The Thai government plans to file a complaint with the UN over Cambodia's alleged use of landmines.
• Thailand asserts a right to self-defense due to ongoing threats from landmines.
• Tensions have escalated following a ceasefire agreement between the two nations.

On Tuesday morning, a landmine explosion near the disputed Ta Muen Thom temple site in Surin province resulted in a paramilitary ranger losing his leg. This incident marks an alarming continuation of violence along the Thai-Cambodian border, with the Royal Thai Army reporting that twelve soldiers have been injured recently, with four losing legs to landmine blasts since July 16, according to Bangkok Post and South China Morning Post.

The Thai Army has issued statements indicating that these landmine explosions are evidence of Cambodia's violations of the ceasefire agreement and international laws, particularly the Ottawa Treaty prohibiting landmines. Major General Winthai Suvaree stated that continued incidents necessitate the potential exercise of self-defense by Thai forces, reflecting on the significant risks posed by these landmines, according to Bangkok Post and Reuters.

In response to ongoing tensions, acting Prime Minister Phumtham Wechayachai stated that the government plans to file complaints with the United Nations regarding Cambodia's deployment of landmines. He emphasized that international laws permit soldiers to take defensive action against such threats, according to Bangkok Post and Al Jazeera.

Rear Admiral Surasant Kongsiri also warned of the increasing number of landmines in the border area, noting the threat they pose not just to military personnel but to civilians as well. Thailand has reached out for assistance from the ASEAN Regional Mine Action Center to help with demining efforts, and reiterated its commitment to maintaining peace amidst rising tensions, according to Bangkok Post.