Bangkok: The situation on the Thai-Cambodian border in seven provinces remains stable, but tensions have escalated following the discovery of landmines within Thai territory, allegedly placed by Cambodian forces. Cambodia has been urged to acknowledge and take responsibility for the evidence presented, which reportedly includes video footage indicating the presence of Cambodian soldiers.
According to Thai News Agency, Mr. Jirayu Huangsap, spokesman for the Prime Minister’s Office and a member of the Thai-Cambodian Border Situation Administration (TCASA), disclosed that the Thai military is maintaining vigilance along all 11 strongholds to safeguard national sovereignty and prevent any incursions. Despite the normalcy in the border situation, the Thai authorities are on high alert, particularly with the detection of drone flights in four of the provinces along the border.
The Civil Aviation Authority of Thailand (CAAT) has relaxed regulations on drone flights; however, specific provinces including Sa Kaeo, T
rat, Buriram, Sisaket, Chanthaburi, Surin, and Ubon Ratchathani remain exempt from this relaxation. The public is urged to adhere strictly to these regulations.
Mr. Jirayu also revealed that from August 18-20, a temporary observer team was deployed to the Thai-Cambodian border area, aligning with the GBC agreement from August 7, 2015. This team assessed civilian areas affected by previous Cambodian attacks and areas where landmines were planted, marking a significant breach of international law.
The Thai government has expressed gratitude to military officials and agencies for unveiling the truth, enabling the observer team to report accurate information. Empirical evidence is being shared with the international community to highlight Thailand’s transparent approach.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs plans to use video evidence, found on the mobile phones of Cambodian soldiers trapped in Si Sa Ket Province, in a lawsuit against Cambodia under the Ottawa Convention. This footage allegedly shows soldiers handl
ing PMN-2 anti-personnel mines, breaching international agreements. The Committee on Cooperative Compliance will meet in Geneva on August 22, where a Thai representative will present these findings.
Mr. Jirayu emphasized the necessity for Cambodia to accept the evidence, highlighting that the video clearly shows Cambodian soldiers and not Thai nationals, as confirmed by the distinct motorcycle license plates visible in the footage. These findings reinforce the call for Cambodia to acknowledge its actions in planting landmines within Thai borders.