Temples, checkpoints to close

Mine protest sent to Cambodia, Tokyo

- PORAMET TANGSATHAPORN ANUCHA CHAROENPO

The Royal Thai Army's 2nd Army Region said yesterday it has escalated its response after a new landmine incident along the Thai-Cambodian border, ordering the closure of four checkpoints and two ancient temple sites from today.

The army will temporarily close the Chong Arn Ma, Chong Sa-ngam, Chong Chom and Chong Sai Takoo border crossings, and suspend access to Ta Muean Thom Temple and Ta Kwai Temple, both in the disputed border zone.

Commander Lt Gen Boonsin Pladklang said five Thai soldiers were injured in an incident yesterday when a soldier stepped on a landmine during a patrol near Chong Arn Ma in Ubon Ratchathani province. The soldier has been hospitalised with serious leg injuries, and initial assessments suggest the mine was newly planted. The army had decided to respond by closing the border passes and the temples.