Thai - Cambodia Conflict Thailand Urges Global Action on Border Landmines

[snoop1130]

Photo courtesy of Bangkok Post

 

Thailand is stepping up diplomatic efforts to address repeated landmine incidents along its border with Cambodia. Today, more than 50 diplomats from Ottawa Convention signatories will be briefed in Bangkok, highlighting Cambodia's reluctance to cooperate in demining operations.

 

The situation has intensified following a recent incident where Thai forces encountered Cambodian-laid mines in Surin's Phanom Dong Rak district. Thailand plans to present documented cases of mine-related incidents, urging the international community to exert pressure on Phnom Penh for compliance with the Ottawa Convention.

 

Jirayu Houngsub, spokesperson for the government's Ad-Hoc Centre on this issue, stated, "The use of anti-personnel landmines is a grave breach of the Ottawa Convention and basic humanitarian principles."

 

Tomorrow, diplomats will visit Ubon Ratchathani and Si Sa Ket provinces to see firsthand the mine clearance activities. They will be briefed by Thai demining teams and inspect sites such as Phu Makua and schools affected by landmines in the Kantharalak district.

 

Russ Jalichandra, Vice Minister for Foreign Affairs, explained that this initiative follows Phanom Dong Rak's incident and emphasised that Thailand's formal protests through diplomatic channels have been ignored. He noted that during prior General Border Committee meetings, Cambodia declined joint demining efforts in disputed areas.

 

"This refusal shows a lack of sincerity and undermines regional peace efforts. It also violates the UN Charter and the Ottawa Convention," Jalichandra added.

In a bid to independently verify these occurrences, an Interim Observer Team, comprising neutral military representatives, will conduct inspections from 18-20 August.

 

Reflecting on further actions, Foreign Ministry spokesman Nikorndej Balankura mentioned that Thailand is coordinating with international mine clearance organisations to reassess humanitarian support to Cambodia, given Phnom Penh's non-cooperation. Additionally, concerns were raised about Cambodian media restrictions.

 

"Citizens in Cambodia should have the right to receive independent information. The spread of misinformation by Cambodian state media violates previous ceasefire agreements intended to ease tensions," Balankura stated. He urged Cambodia to grant access to global news sources to allow its citizens to make informed decisions.

 

Military leaders from both countries will convene tomorrow under the Thailand-Cambodia Regional Border Committee. Key discussion points include implementing a 13-point ceasefire deal and addressing landmine removal and cross-border scams.

 

The unfolding border situation calls for international collaboration and transparency to ensure safety and maintain peace in the region. The world awaits Phnom Penh's response and hopes for a constructive dialogue that respects humanitarian standards and international agreements.

 

  Adapted by ASEAN Now from Bangkok Post 2025-08-15

 

[Will B Good]

 

 

......and cluster bombs?

[Myran]

28 minutes ago, Will B Good said:

 

 

......and cluster bombs?

Thailand and many other countries are not signatories to the Convention on Cluster Munitions, so they're free to use them, though obviously not in an indiscriminate way.

Cambodia, on the other hand, have signed the Ottawa Treaty, so them using anti-personnel mines is illegal.