December 22, 2009
PHNOM PENH (AFP) - A Cambodian soldier has died after stepping on an old landmine near an ancient border temple that has been the scene of bloody clashes with Thailand, a commander said Tuesday.
The incident happened on Monday evening near the ancient eastern staircases of the 11th century Preah Vihear temple, said Major General Srey Doek, who oversees military operations in the area.
"The soldier stepped on an old landmine and lost both of his legs. He died at a hospital due to bleeding," he said.
The border with Thailand has never been fully demarcated, in part because it is littered with landmines left over from decades of war in Cambodia.
There have been deadly skirmishes between the two countries on the disputed frontier since the ruins were granted UN World Heritage status in July 2008.
Although the World Court ruled in 1962 that the ancient Khmer temple belonged to Cambodia, the most accessible entrance to it is in northeastern Thailand.
