Bangkok: The Ministry of Foreign Affairs is set to brief the diplomatic corps and foreign diplomatic assistants this evening on the incident involving Thai soldiers stepping on a landmine. This briefing comes ahead of the Ministry’s plan to send protest letters to Cambodia and Japan, in its capacity as Ottawa President, following Cambodia’s violation of the convention.
According to Thai News Agency, Rear Admiral Surasan Kongsiri, deputy spokesman of the Royal Thai Army and spokesman for the Center for the Administration of the Situation on the Thai-Cambodian Border (CCSB), announced that the Cabinet has approved guidelines allowing Cambodian workers to work in the border area. These guidelines permit foreign workers using Border Pass documents, whether valid or expired, to continue working for six months from June 7, 2025, or until international production control measures return to normal. This measure aims to assist Thai entrepreneurs and plantation owners reliant on foreign labor.
Admiral Tong Surasant stated that despite the tensions, Ta Muen Thom Temple remains open to visitors. Both Thai and Cambodian authorities have established joint measures to address any issues caused by tourists. Coordination teams from the respective countries will handle any arising problems to prevent unnecessary confrontations.
Ms. Maratee Nalita Andamo, Deputy Director-General of the Department of Information and Deputy Spokesperson of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, clarified that Thailand continues to control border crossings without closing the border, contrary to Cambodian claims. This is part of Thailand’s efforts to maintain safety and combat transnational crime while still allowing for the transport of goods.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs will hold a briefing at 4:00 p.m. for foreign diplomats and military attach©s to discuss Thailand’s operations and stance on the Thai-Cambodian border situation, with particular focus on the landmine incident involving Thai soldiers on July 16. Key representatives from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and security agencies will attend the briefing to present evidence and findings related to the incident.
Mrs. Maratee emphasized that the briefing will include details of the protest letters to be sent to Cambodia and Japan. The letter to Cambodia will condemn actions violating Thailand’s sovereignty and demand accountability, while the letter to Japan, as the Chair of the Conference of the Parties to the Ottawa Convention, will urge Cambodia to take responsibility for mine clearance efforts.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs aims to uphold Thailand’s reputation and credibility on the international stage, stressing the importance of commitments made to the international community. Following the diplomatic briefing, a detailed announcement will be made to the media.