Thai Minister Heads to Geneva: Talks on Cambodia Mine Breaches

Photo courtesy of Bangkok Post

Foreign Affairs Minister Maris Sangiampongsa is set to engage in crucial discussions in Geneva this week, addressing landmine issues involving Cambodia. These talks aim to resolve tensions following recent conflicts along the Thai-Cambodian border.

During his visit, Minister Maris will meet with key international figures, including those from countries active in mine action and the UN Committee on the Implementation of the Ottawa Convention, also known as the Anti-Personnel Mine Ban Treaty. Speaking ahead of the trip, Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokesman Nikorndej Balankura highlighted the significance of these meetings.

Mr Nikorndej explained that the minister's key objective is to tackle Cambodia's non-compliance with the convention, particularly following recent incidents at the border. Minister Maris is expected to urge the international community to press Cambodia into cooperating with Thailand on clearing landmines from the border area. As a signatory, Cambodia is obliged to adhere to the treaty's stipulations, Mr Nikorndej stressed.

The situation escalated on 22 August when Thai military forces detected Cambodian military activities west of Hill 350 in Surin province, encroaching onto Thai territory. Cambodian soldiers were later expelled from the area, but not before Thai troops discovered three PMN-2 anti-personnel mines and other weapons left behind.

“This incident underscores Cambodia's breach of Thai sovereignty and its failure to meet its Ottawa Convention obligations, violating multiple ceasefire conditions set during the General Border Committee meeting in Kuala Lumpur on 7 August,” Mr Nikorndej stated.

Additionally, Mr Maris has just concluded a visit to Stockholm, Sweden, marking the first such ministerial visit in seven years. The trip focused on enhancing relations through the forthcoming Thailand–Sweden Strategic Partnership Agreement.

In response to the border tensions, Maj Gen Winthai Suvaree, spokesman for the Royal Thai Army, disclosed that the army has issued a formal protest to Cambodia. The protest concerns a Cambodian English-language publication that misrepresented the outcomes of a Regional Border Committee (RBC) meeting held recently in Sa Kaeo. The meeting involved Cambodia's 5th Regional Military Command.

Maj Gen Winthai clarified that the document in question falsely stated that both sides discussed easing local community issues, including removing barbed wire to facilitate safe travel and reduce impacts on livelihoods. These inaccuracies have further strained diplomatic ties.

As Minister Maris engages in talks in Geneva, all eyes will be on the outcomes and their potential to ease tensions and promote stability in the region. The ongoing dialogue underscores the broader challenges of international diplomacy and treaty compliance.

  Adapted by ASEAN Now from Bangkok Post 2025-08-25