January 22, 2026
World
World
TOKYO, Jan 22 — Japan has halted the restart of the world’s largest nuclear power plant just hours after it began, though the reactor remains “stable,” the operator said.
BANGKOK, July 21 — Tensions have escalated between Thailand and Cambodia after a landmine blast injured three Thai soldiers, prompting Bangkok to accuse Phnom Penh of laying new mines in a disputed border zone. Cambodia, however, denies the charge, saying the soldiers strayed into an area still contaminated with old mines left from decades of conflict.
The explosion occurred on July 16 while Thai soldiers were conducting a routine patrol on the Thai side of a contested area between Ubon Ratchathani and Cambodia’s Preah Vihear province. One soldier lost a foot in the blast.
In response, Thailand claimed that 10 newly planted Russian-made PMN-2 anti-personnel mines — not used or stockpiled by its military — were discovered in the area between July 18 and 20. The Thai army called it a “serious violation” of national sovereignty.
“This is a clear violation of the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the Kingdom of Thailand and a direct breach of fundamental principles of international law,” said Maratee Nalita Andamo, deputy spokesperson for the Thai Foreign Ministry.
Cambodia’s Defence Ministry rejected the accusations, stating on Sunday that the Thai soldiers had left designated patrol routes and entered dangerous zones still riddled with unexploded ordnance. Cambodia remains heavily contaminated with landmines from past conflicts, with the Cambodia Mine Action Centre estimating between four to six million still buried. In the first four months of 2025 alone, five people were killed and twelve others injured by mines and unexploded ordnance.
The blast site is also near the location where a Cambodian soldier was fatally shot in May following a brief skirmish between troops from both countries.
The incident has now ignited a wider diplomatic rift between the neighbouring nations, destabilising Thailand’s government and leading to the suspension of the country’s prime minister. Bangkok said it plans to formally condemn Cambodia for allegedly violating the Ottawa Treaty, which bans the use of anti-personnel landmines, and has vowed to step up patrols along the border. — Reuters
