BANTEAY MEANCHEY: A Thai citizen and a Cambodian soldier are in critical condition following two landmine explosions on the Cambodian-Thai border shortly before 11 a.m. on May 27. Police confirmed that the explosions took place near the 37th border post separating Bantey Meanchey in Cambodia from the Sa Kaeo province in Thailand.

Police at the 807th Border Guard Battalion said that prior to the incident, a Thai national, 46-year-old Samreth Ray Roeun, was picking vegetables in the forest between Boundary Post No. 37-38 when a mine exploded, causing severe injuries resulting in the amputation of his left leg in addition to facial injuries.

Border police said that upon hearing the explosion, the military battalion cooperated with Cambodia’s demining force and the Thai Black Army 1203 to rescue the victim. During the operation, another landmine was detonated, injuring 40-year-old military officer Seng Chhorn, who sustained serious injuries to his hands and eyes. He received emergency treatment at a nearby referral hospital before being transferred to a regional hospital in Battambang province.

Police confirmed that Samreth Ray Roeun was not rescued until 2:25 pm that day, after which Thai soldiers transported him for medical care.