Thai Army clears mines, dismantles illegal structures at An Ma Pass

The Royal Thai Army clears landmines and dismantles illegal structures at An Ma Pass, vowing to prevent Cambodia from violating MOU43 again after repeated encroachments on Thai territory.

The Royal Thai Army deployed bulldozers on Tuesday (August 5) to clear landmines secretly placed by Cambodian soldiers around the An Ma Pass area in Ubon Ratchathani province. The bulldozers also demolished illegal structures built by Cambodia.

This action follows Cambodia's recent violation of Thai sovereignty when it brought foreign military attaches into An Ma Pass without notifying Thailand, despite an active ceasefire agreement.

The Thai Army had already successfully recaptured the area before the ceasefire deadline on July 28.

Cambodia had previously established 80 households and shops at An Ma Pass, which lies within Thailand's sovereign territory, in breach of MOU43. Thailand had repeatedly protested these actions, but Cambodia ignored the protests.

According to Royal Thai Army sources, Thailand will not tolerate further violations of MOU43.

Lt Gen Boonsin Padklang, Commander of the 2nd Army Area, and Maj Gen Winthai Suvaree, Army Spokesperson, confirmed that An Ma Pass is firmly within Thai territory. They emphasised Cambodia's continued encroachment, including the construction of the Ta Om monument, community, and market, and reiterated that such actions violate the MOU43 agreement.

Moving forward, the 2nd Army Area Command will ensure that Cambodia does not infringe on Thai sovereignty again.

(2025/08/05-00:00)