Picture courtesy of KhaoSod

 

The Royal Thai Army has claimed that landmines recently found along the Thai-Cambodian border were newly planted by Cambodian soldiers, marking a significant escalation in tensions between the two nations.

 

During a press conference, Major General Winthai Suvaree, spokesperson for the Thai Army, asserted that these landmines were not remnants from past conflicts, but rather placed for tactical purposes by Cambodian forces. This comes amid accusations and denials between the two countries concerning the presence and origins of these explosive devices.

 

On 18 August, senior Cambodian figures, including Dr Lee Thuch and Heng Ratana of the Cambodian Mine Action Centre, held their own conference to challenge Thailand's claims. They insisted the affected areas along the border are littered with unexploded devices from historic conflicts, not recent military activity.

 

Major General Winthai expressed frustration at this narrative, especially since Cambodia failed to address the landmine issue during the General Border Committee meeting earlier this month. He noted the irony of Cambodia's self-portrayal as an anti-landmine advocate, given the recurring injuries to Thai soldiers patrolling these border regions, which contradicts Cambodia’s assertions about the origins of the mines.

 

Thailand has been involved in extensive demining operations through the Thai Mine Action Centre, and according to Winthai, they've not previously encountered PMN-2 type landmines—indicative of the new nature of the threat. These landmines, found strategically near Cambodian military positions, differ significantly from previously cleared mines and bear fresh markings.

 

The Thai spokesperson expressed regret that despite a standing ceasefire, such actions by Cambodia could undermine peace and bilateral relations. The placement of these mines, often just beneath the soil and clear of vegetation, suggests a deliberate and calculated military strategy.

 

The escalation draws attention to the broader issues of border security and sovereignty, raising concerns about future diplomatic relations and regional stability. Thailand has initiated diplomatic discussions to address and resolve the matter, urging for greater cooperation from its neighbour.

 

This situation also puts a spotlight on international efforts to promote mine clearance and calls for renewed commitments to peace and safety in the region.

 

In light of these developments, observers are watching closely to see how both nations proceed in addressing this sensitive issue and what impact it may have on wider ASEAN relations. The continuing dialogue between the countries will be crucial in maintaining peace and avoiding further escalation.

 

With the value of one PMN-2 mine estimated at around 800 Thai Baht, the financial and human costs of these devices pose significant challenges to lasting peace in the region.

 

  Adapted by ASEAN Now from The Thaiger 2025-08-19

 

Yes, strangely enough, when you undertake a border incursion and go into another country's territory and cross previously understood and accepted (by international courts) borders, you are likely to encounter defensive fortifications such as landmines. Such weak sauce they're desperately throwing out there now that it's apparent to pretty much all neutral observers what is really going on behind the scenes. Suggest reading the story in The Diplomat by Luke Hunt for those who don't know yet.

This news has been superseded by a cooperative agreement on landmine clearance, endorsed at a recent RBC meeting.

1 hour ago, Pla Simon said:

This news has been superseded by a cooperative agreement on landmine clearance, endorsed at a recent RBC meeting.

Which was superseded by Thailand reporting encountering Cambodian BHQ troops in Thai territory, planting more mines.

28 minutes ago, Myran said:

Which was superseded by Thailand reporting encountering Cambodian BHQ troops in Thai territory, planting more mines.

Which was swallowed whole by some gullible people. Who rejected international monitoring of the area again? Was it Cambodia? Who rejected the impartial ICJ? Was it Cambodia? Who wants international monitors who will report the real situation and prevent these incidents and who doesn't? Is it Cambodia? Open your eyes and read something other than That propaganda. Oh right, who's blocking outside news from reaching the Thai public? Is it Cambodia? 

3 hours ago, JCauto said:

Which was swallowed whole by some gullible people. Who rejected international monitoring of the area again? Was it Cambodia? Who rejected the impartial ICJ? Was it Cambodia? Who wants international monitors who will report the real situation and prevent these incidents and who doesn't? Is it Cambodia? Open your eyes and read something other than That propaganda. Oh right, who's blocking outside news from reaching the Thai public? Is it Cambodia? 

 

They literally have videos and photos of Cambodian troops planting illegal mines and creating spike traps in violation of the Geneva Convention. Keep coping.

Thailand has not rejected international monitoring, they have denied increasing the size of the monitoring team. Keep spreading that Cambodian propaganda.

Thailand has already accepted going to the ICJ twice, and have respected both verdicts. They're not going to keep going there time and time again just because Cambodia continuously makes new claims about how much land they consider to be theirs. And the ICJ's impartiality is highly dubious, especially when it comes to cases connected to the five permanent members of the UN Security Council, which includes France, who are the ones who drew the incorrect map to begin with.

 

Imagine defending a nation who fires indiscriminately on civilian targets, uses banned mines, and turns a blind eye to scam centers running sextortions scams aimed at children, while utilizing slave labor, torture, human trafficking, and other vile methods. The world sees Cambodia for what it really is, you can stop shilling for it.

24 minutes ago, Myran said:

 

They literally have videos and photos of Cambodian troops planting illegal mines and creating spike traps in violation of the Geneva Convention. Keep coping.

Thailand has not rejected international monitoring, they have denied increasing the size of the monitoring team. Keep spreading that Cambodian propaganda.

Thailand has already accepted going to the ICJ twice, and have respected both verdicts. They're not going to keep going there time and time again just because Cambodia continuously makes new claims about how much land they consider to be theirs. And the ICJ's impartiality is highly dubious, especially when it comes to cases connected to the five permanent members of the UN Security Council, which includes France, who are the ones who drew the incorrect map to begin with.

 

Imagine defending a nation who fires indiscriminately on civilian targets, uses banned mines, and turns a blind eye to scam centers running sextortions scams aimed at children, while utilizing slave labor, torture, human trafficking, and other vile methods. The world sees Cambodia for what it really is, you can stop shilling for it.

 

Wow, you've really swallowed it hook, line and sinker. 

 

"Thailand has already accepted going to the ICJ twice and have respected both verdicts." LOL. How about this then?

Defence Minister Phumtham Wechayachai on Wednesday reaffirmed Thailand’s policy of not recognising the jurisdiction of the International Court of Justice (ICJ) to safeguard the country’s sovereignty...He clarified that a Cabinet resolution under the Srettha Thavisin administration, passed on March 12, 2024, and formally circulated to all government agencies on March 19, 2024, mandates that all international treaties must include a clause stating Thailand’s refusal to accept ICJ jurisdiction to safeguard the country’s sovereignty. The Nation, 4 June 2025

 

Perhaps you have reading comprehension issues, or maybe you are in a silo of misinformation? Who knows? All we can judge is your words, which are clearly incorrect and are spouting misinformation, or as it's more commonly known, lies. Besides, why would the Thai NOT want a larger monitoring team when they're complaining about all these clear and obvious violations that you write of?

 

Oh, and then, finally, we get the ol' "ICJ's impartiality is highly dubious", because of COURSE they're in favour of Cambodia, who are one-fifth the size of Thailand and for whom all five permanent members of the Security Council have higher trade with and more citizens visiting Thailand and...do you even ready what you write yourself and believe it? Your "case" is that they are protecting the reputations of the people who were running the ICJ back in the 1960s and wouldn't therefore consider any claims by Thailand on their merits? I am guessing you are both not a lawyer nor have any idea about international courts. Thailand tried, Thailand lost. Or perhaps you have some other dubious excuse?

 

Firing indiscriminately on civilian targets as if the Thai have found the secret to perfect military targeting - anyone firing anything at anyone else is likely firing on civilian targets as you should hopefully understand. Or not, as you seem to accept whatever the Thai government is printing, perhaps you're right, they're the most technically and technologically advanced military on earth, better than Israel and the USA who also can't seem to avoid firing indiscriminately upon civilian populations during their wars.

 

Using banned mines? How about dropping cluster munitions? Scam centers - thank goodness none of that sort of nonsense occurs in Thailand, a place noted for the sanctity of rule of law. Especially when it comes to human trafficking and slave labour!  Enjoy your fish.

 

Just wrapping up, I think your level of English was quite good, so kudos to the Thai Government for finally getting some skilled workers to do their dirty work for them - hope you're not trapped in some boiler room op and unable to escape! On your next post, start the first three sentences with S then O then S and see if you can encode your location in there. If you're NOT being forced to write this, then I don't know what to tell you except to get a VPN and start reading some news sources beyond those curated by your government. I'd suggest the latest one by Luke Hunt on The Diplomat for starters, it's a pretty succinct summary of the shenanigans of General Bunsin.

 

 

27 minutes ago, JCauto said:

 

Wow, you've really swallowed it hook, line and sinker. 

 

"Thailand has already accepted going to the ICJ twice and have respected both verdicts." LOL. How about this then?

Defence Minister Phumtham Wechayachai on Wednesday reaffirmed Thailand’s policy of not recognising the jurisdiction of the International Court of Justice (ICJ) to safeguard the country’s sovereignty...He clarified that a Cabinet resolution under the Srettha Thavisin administration, passed on March 12, 2024, and formally circulated to all government agencies on March 19, 2024, mandates that all international treaties must include a clause stating Thailand’s refusal to accept ICJ jurisdiction to safeguard the country’s sovereignty. The Nation, 4 June 2025

 

Perhaps you have reading comprehension issues, or maybe you are in a silo of misinformation? Who knows? All we can judge is your words, which are clearly incorrect and are spouting misinformation, or as it's more commonly known, lies. Besides, why would the Thai NOT want a larger monitoring team when they're complaining about all these clear and obvious violations that you write of?

 

Oh, and then, finally, we get the ol' "ICJ's impartiality is highly dubious", because of COURSE they're in favour of Cambodia, who are one-fifth the size of Thailand and for whom all five permanent members of the Security Council have higher trade with and more citizens visiting Thailand and...do you even ready what you write yourself and believe it? Your "case" is that they are protecting the reputations of the people who were running the ICJ back in the 1960s and wouldn't therefore consider any claims by Thailand on their merits? I am guessing you are both not a lawyer nor have any idea about international courts. Thailand tried, Thailand lost. Or perhaps you have some other dubious excuse?

 

Firing indiscriminately on civilian targets as if the Thai have found the secret to perfect military targeting - anyone firing anything at anyone else is likely firing on civilian targets as you should hopefully understand. Or not, as you seem to accept whatever the Thai government is printing, perhaps you're right, they're the most technically and technologically advanced military on earth, better than Israel and the USA who also can't seem to avoid firing indiscriminately upon civilian populations during their wars.

 

Using banned mines? How about dropping cluster munitions? Scam centers - thank goodness none of that sort of nonsense occurs in Thailand, a place noted for the sanctity of rule of law. Especially when it comes to human trafficking and slave labour!  Enjoy your fish.

 

Just wrapping up, I think your level of English was quite good, so kudos to the Thai Government for finally getting some skilled workers to do their dirty work for them - hope you're not trapped in some boiler room op and unable to escape! On your next post, start the first three sentences with S then O then S and see if you can encode your location in there. If you're NOT being forced to write this, then I don't know what to tell you except to get a VPN and start reading some news sources beyond those curated by your government. I'd suggest the latest one by Luke Hunt on The Diplomat for starters, it's a pretty succinct summary of the shenanigans of General Bunsin.

 

 

 

My reading comprehension is excellent, unlike yours. On top of that, I have actual knowledge about the conflict.

 

The refusal of the ICJ's jurisdiction is in regard to further authority in border issues. In other words, Thailand has accepted the two previous verdicts (as it must, since it agreed to attend the ICJ those two times), but have said that they won't accept the ICJ's authority in passing juggement on border matters going forward. I've explained it as I would to a child, so hopefully, you'll understand it now.

 

"because of COURSE they're in favour of Cambodia"

 

Is that what I wrote? I could have sworn I wrote France. Thailand has zero reason to go back to the ICJ, since it's already established whose side it is on in the matter.

 

You defending killing civilian children isn't even worth responding to. It's just absolutely disgusting.

 

"How about dropping cluster munitions"

 

Cluster munitions aren't illegal, and Cambodia themselves have refused to sign the treaty banning them. They can't reserve the right to use cluster munitions themselves and then complain when someone uses them against them.

 

Let me know if there are any other ways I can help alleviate your devastating lack of reading comprehension, research skills, education, critical thinking, and basic human decency.

 

1 hour ago, Myran said:

They literally have videos and photos of Cambodian troops planting illegal mines and creating spike traps in violation of the Geneva Convention.

 

Post a link to such a video then, otherwise I'd say that's nonsense.

6 minutes ago, Caldera said:

 

Post a link to such a video then, otherwise I'd say that's nonsense.

They've been widely reported since they were found on a phone. Cambodia initially tried to claim that they were Thai soldiers dressed in Cambodian uniforms, but one of the soldiers in the video and photos has been identified as a Cambodian lieutenant, whose been part of Cambodian border patrols. Everything matches up with earlier photos of this lieutenant, so there's no doubt the soldiers are Cambodian.

 

They've been caught red-handed, and there's no denying it.

 

 

I wonder how they can determine what is "newly planted".  I thought those things last forever.  I occasionally hear about Vietnam war era landmines going off in Laos.