Bangkok: The Royal Thai Army has indicated its readiness to exercise its right to self-defense if circumstances necessitate such action.
According to Thai News Agency, the Army has raised concerns over Cambodia’s continued secret placement of mines, which poses a threat to Thailand and disregards the Ottawa Convention.
Army spokesman Major General Winthai Suvari detailed an incident on August 12, 2015, involving Sergeant Theerapol Phiakhanthi of the 2610th Ranger Company. During a routine border patrol approximately one kilometer from Prasat Ta Muen Thom in Surin Province, Sergeant Theerapol sustained serious injuries to his left ankle after stepping on an anti-personnel mine allegedly placed by the Cambodian side. He is currently receiving treatment at Phanom Dong Rak Hospital and is reported to be out of danger.
The incident is cited as evidence of Cambodia’s violation of the ceasefire agreement and disregard for international humanitarian law, specifically the Ottawa Convention, which bans the use of anti-personnel mines. The attack targeted Thai troops within Thai territory, further escalating tensions between the two nations.
Repeated incidents in the border region have highlighted Cambodia’s alleged hostile intent and violation of Thailand’s territorial integrity, contradicting agreements from previous General Border Committee (GBC) meetings. Despite the ceasefire, the use of weapons by the Cambodian side reportedly persists.
The Royal Thai Army underscores that such actions obstruct the implementation of ceasefire measures and demonstrate Cambodia’s intention to use military means in a covert manner against Thailand. This ongoing issue remains unresolved, as Cambodia has reportedly dismissed Thailand’s proposals concerning landmines from prior GBC discussions.
While the Royal Thai Army has consistently sought peaceful resolutions and refrained from initiating conflict, it asserts that it may have to resort to self-defense under international law if the situation escalates further. The continued loss of Thai personnel due to alleged Cambodian military violations underscores the urgency of the matter.