Thailand Urges Independent Probe Over Cambodia Landmine Dispute

Pictures courtesy of Khaosod 

Thailand has called for an independent fact-finding mission under the UN after raising concerns at the 22nd Meeting of States Parties to the Anti-Personnel Mine Ban Convention in Geneva. Foreign Minister Sihasak Phuangketkeow delivered a statement on 5 December 2025, clarifying Thailand’s position on the Thailand–Cambodia border situation and its request under Article 8 of the Ottawa Convention. He said Thailand remained committed to its treaty obligations but had no choice but to speak out following incidents in which Thai soldiers were severely injured by landmines allegedly planted by Cambodia.

The minister stressed that Thailand had consistently engaged all bilateral mechanisms in good faith to resolve the issue. He said Thailand was not seeking to politicise the matter but noted that the loss and permanent disabilities suffered by Thai personnel were the result of actions that should never occur under the Convention. He stated that the situation compelled Thailand to reserve its right under Article 8, paragraph 2, to request clarification from Cambodia. He added that Cambodian responses had contradicted verified evidence and were accompanied by disinformation.

In his intervention, the minister asked what the implications would be if any State Party could lay new landmines and simply deny responsibility without consequences. He argued that the most effective and transparent path forward was to request the UN Secretary-General’s good offices to help establish an independent fact-finding mission. Thailand’s aim, he said, was to depoliticise the matter by relying on the Convention’s own mechanisms to uphold its integrity and demonstrate their effectiveness.

During the meeting, Ambassador Usana Berananda, Thailand’s Permanent Representative to the UN in Geneva, exercised the Right of Reply to reject Cambodia’s claims that Thailand had acted unilaterally or politicised the issue. She presented evidence, including video footage showing Cambodian personnel training to plant PMN-2 mines, to demonstrate violations of Cambodia’s obligations under the Convention. Thailand confirmed that all evidence had been submitted to the UN Secretary-General.

Khaosod reported that the ambassador added that a fact-finding mission would help verify events and improve transparency for all parties. She said Cambodia should accept the proposal if it was committed to resolving the matter in good faith. Throughout the meeting, Thai representatives from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Permanent Mission of Thailand, Thailand Mine Action Center and Ministry of Social Development and Human Security coordinated closely and delivered unified statements. Delegates used their allotted opportunities to reaffirm Thailand’s position and defend its interests throughout the session.

Key Takeaways

• Thailand told the Ottawa Convention meeting it is invoking Article 8 to seek clarification from Cambodia over landmine incidents injuring Thai soldiers.

• Evidence, including video of Cambodian personnel training to plant PMN-2 mines, was presented and submitted to the UN Secretary-General.

• Thailand is calling for an independent fact-finding mission to ensure transparency and uphold the Convention’s integrity.

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 Adapted  by  Asean Now from Khoasod 2025-12-07