Defence Minister Gen Natthaphon Narkphanit has said that Thailand will delay the release of Cambodian Prisoners of War (POWs) after two Thai soldiers were injured this morning (10 November) after stepping on a landmine.

According to the Army spokesperson team Facebook page, the two soldiers stepped on a landmine while patrolling in the border area around Huai Tamaria in Si Saket’s Kantharalak District. Sgt Maj 1^st Class Therdsak Samaphong had his right ankle severed by the blast, while Pte Watchira Phanthanao sustained injuries to his chest. They have been sent to Sunpasitthiprasong Hospital for treatment.

Krungthep Turakij reported that according to Gen Natthaphon, the Second Army Region Commander is investigating whether the landmine was new, as speculated by the Second Army Region Commander. The release of 18 Cambodian POWs, previously scheduled for Wednesday (12 November), will have to be delayed for the time being.

Gen Natthaphon said that Thailand will send a diplomatic protest letter to Cambodia, but that it could take stronger action if it finds that Cambodia had deliberately planted the landmines.

Meanwhile, government spokesperson Siripong Angkasakulkiat said that Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul has received a report of the incident and has ordered the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Ministry of Defence to lodge a complaint with the Interim Observer Team (IOT, of military representatives from 8 ASEAN member states monitoring ceasefire compliance along the Thai-Cambodian border.