Picture courtesy of CHUMCHON KHON SURIN Facebook

 

In a bold diplomatic move, Thailand's Foreign Affairs Minister, Maris Sangiampongsa, has directly appealed to both the United Nations and Japan to launch an international investigation into Cambodia's alleged breaches of the Ottawa Convention. This call for scrutiny follows a distressing landmine incident on 12th August that resulted in a severe injury to a Thai military ranger.

 

The injured ranger, who lost his foot to a landmine, was part of a patrol with six others in the Chong Chup Tamok area of Surin. This tragic event came on the heels of another incident on 10th August in Sisaket, where three Thai soldiers suffered injuries from a mine during a routine patrol.

 

Maris held a telephone conversation with Japanese Foreign Minister Takeshi Iwaya on 10th August, urging the use of Ottawa Convention mechanisms to probe into Cambodia’s activities. In response, the convention's secretariat has acknowledged the urgency of the matter in writing.

 

Anticipating further diplomatic engagement, Maris plans to brief donor countries on 8th August about Cambodia’s refusal of Thailand’s mine-clearance proposal, previously discussed at the General Border Committee meeting. Nikorndej Balankura, a spokesperson for Thailand's foreign ministry, highlighted that this briefing seeks not only to inform but also to encourage reassessment of international aid to Cambodia.

 

In an effort to provide transparency, the foreign ministry along with other agencies will arrange a site visit for representatives from donor countries and international organisations. This will allow them to witness the situation firsthand and receive detailed accounts of the landmine incidents that have alarmed Thai authorities.

 

Beyond these diplomatic measures, Maris has initiated talks with his counterparts in Malaysia and Singapore, exploring how the ASEAN framework might be used to exert further pressure on Cambodia regarding mine clearance obligations. He noted that Thailand has consistently objected to Cambodia's actions in discussions with the UN Secretary-General and the Japanese foreign minister, the latter of whom currently presides over the Ottawa Convention.

 

Addressing queries about Cambodia’s protest letter to the UN on 10th August, Maris firmly stated that Cambodia lacks valid evidence to back its allegations of Thai sovereignty infringements. Contrarily, he asserted that Bangkok possesses substantial proof of Cambodian provocations and mine-laying activities, highlighting the ongoing tensions between the neighbouring countries.

 

These developments mark a significant step in Thailand's strategic diplomatic efforts to rally international support and accountability against what it perceives as clear violations of international agreements. As the situation unfolds, the pursuit of a resolution underscores the complexities of maintaining security and diplomacy in the region.

 

With the stakes high, eyes are now on the international community's response to Thailand's appeal, as the consequences of these incidents could reverberate across Southeast Asia. The potential impact on international relations and aid may alter the dynamics at the heart of ASEAN, demanding a careful balance between diplomacy and assertiveness.

 

  Adapted by ASEAN Now from [source] 2025-08-14

 

15 hours ago, snoop1130 said:

Addressing queries about Cambodia’s protest letter to the UN on 10th August, Maris firmly stated that Cambodia lacks valid evidence to back its allegations of Thai sovereignty infringements. Contrarily, he asserted that Bangkok possesses substantial proof of Cambodian provocations and mine-laying activities, highlighting the ongoing tensions between the neighbouring countries

If the Thais got proofs of Cambodian wrong doing ....why not disclose and publish it?

Looks incoherently 

I would imagine the powers that be have enough intelligence both on the ground and low Earth orbit to know exactly what has been / is / will be going on, without the pied pipers playing their incessant tunes.

27 minutes ago, Pla Simon said:

low Earth orbit to know exactly what has been / is / will be going on,

Not much help in the jungle ...

Troll post removed 

16 hours ago, snoop1130 said:

was part of a patrol with six others in the Chong Chup Tamok area of Surin.

 

A sad incident, but please note it took place on Siamese soil!!

16 hours ago, snoop1130 said:

launch an international investigation into Cambodia's alleged breaches of the Ottawa Convention.

Such investigation might backfire on Thailand.

The Convention's prohibitions apply to all land within the "jurisdiction or control" of a State Party, which typically encompasses the entire sovereign territory. AI

If Cambodia is found guilty, the UN would in essence find such mines lie within the sovereign territory of Cambodia! Herein Thai soldiers who have entered such area to encounter the mines would have violated Cambodia borders.

There’d be plenty of market stall operators who sell fake guns etc willing to go in, collect and resell them in night markets. Of course after removing the explosive parts. And of course some will manage to sneak a few live ones to sell at a higher price. 

18 hours ago, mfd101 said:

Not much help in the jungle ...

Infra red?