Picture courtesy of Thai PBS World

 

Thailand has escalated its border dispute with Cambodia by planning to request a fact-finding mission under the Anti-Personnel Mine Ban Convention (APMBC). The decision follows a series of landmine incidents since July, with seven Thai soldiers injured by newly planted mines allegedly by Cambodian troops. Foreign Minister Sihasak Phuangketkeow is set to present Thailand's concerns at the APMBC meeting in Geneva from December 4 to 6.

 

The latest incident on November 10 injured two soldiers in Sisaket province, prompting Thailand to address the issue at the Ottawa Convention’s Implementation Committee. Thailand intends to invoke Article 8 of the treaty for an independent mission to determine if Cambodia has planted new mines. Sihasak stated that if Cambodia doesn't assume responsibility, Thailand will escalate to the international community.

 

Sihasak aims to affirm Thailand’s commitment to international law and the Ottawa Convention. He plans to highlight the impact on Thai soldiers and Cambodia’s alleged violations. However, Cambodian Foreign Minister Prak Sokhonn denies the accusations, claiming the explosions are from old mines. Cambodia asserts its commitment to the Ottawa Convention and suggests Thailand is politicising it.

 

The situation has strained Thai-US relations, with Washington halting tariff talks following the landmine incidents. Despite suspending a ceasefire agreement with Cambodia, Sihasak emphasises the necessity for a bilateral resolution. Meanwhile, Cambodia accuses Thailand of exaggeration, claiming that seasonal shifts reveal old mines in the border area, reported Thai PBS World.

 

Both nations face potential reputational risks. If fresh mines are discovered, Cambodia’s standing under the Ottawa Convention might be compromised. Conversely, if the mines are old, Thailand’s claims could be questioned. The upcoming Geneva meeting is pivotal in determining the accuracy of these accusations and the future of Thai-Cambodian relations.

 

Key Takeaways:

 

• Thailand seeks a fact-finding mission over landmine allegations.
• Cambodia denies planting new mines, citing old explosives.
• Tensions affect Thai-US relations with suspended tariff talks.

 

  Adapted by ASEAN Now from Thai PBS World 2025-12-03

 

 

 

Both Thailand and Cambodia signed the UN convention banning landmines. If these landmines are new, that calls for sanctions. But farmers get their legs blown off by unexploded landmines planted by the Khmer Rouge every year--how can we be certain these are new?

 

And...did Thailand plant any landmines of its own during the border conflict?

 

The real problem with landmines is that no armed group makes a treasure map to dig them up when the conflict is over.