Thailand has decided to downgrade diplomatic relations with Cambodia after a fresh landmine incident injured five Thai soldiers on the disputed Thai-Cambodian border in Ubon Ratchathani Province on 23 July 2025.

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Interior, as acting Prime Minister, Phumtham Wechayachai, stated that he had received a report from the Royal Thai Army, through Deputy Minister of Defense General Nattaphon Narkphanit, on a landmine explosion in the Huai Bon area, Chong An Ma crossing point, Nam Yuen District, Ubon Ratchathani.

The incident took place at about 16.55 hr, with one personnel, identified as Master Sergeant First Class Pichitchai Boonkorat, losing his right leg. He was among five soldiers patrolling this area. The injured soldiers were evacuated from the area at around 17.18 hr. The landmine was believed to have been newly planted.

As requested by the Second Army Area and the Royal Thai Army, the Government has issued an order to close all border checkpoints under the authority of the Second Army Area, and strictly prohibit tourists from entering the area. 

In its response to the landmine incident, the Government also decided to recall the Thai Ambassador to Cambodia and send the Cambodian Ambassador to Thailand back to his country. Further action regarding diplomatic relations between the two countries will later be decided.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs was also ordered to hand over a protest letter to Cambodia, as it has been proven that no such landmines exist during previous patrols, and these are newly-planted mines that injured Thai military personnel twice. It is, therefore, appropriate to escalate Thailand’s response in this manner.