No landmine compromises

On the face of it, the Thai-Cambodian border situation has been quiet, though far from stable, as both countries prepare for a war of words at a United Nations forum in Geneva.

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This calm contrasts sharply with the past few months, which saw at least seven soldiers lose limbs while patrolling the border since the conflict flared in the middle of this year.

While there have been no recent military casualties, the mines have certainly not disappeared.

On Dec 2, another mine exploded in Huai Ta Maria in Si Sa Ket’s Kantharalak district as Thai soldiers were clearing a path for road construction to the Phu Makheu base.

Fortunately, no one was injured.

But a Chinese national who attempted to sneak into Cambodia via Ban Nong Chan in Sa Kaeo last week was not so lucky — he stepped on a landmine and was maimed.

With such incidents, Thailand must draw global attention to the situation.