Bangkok: The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has issued a strong condemnation of Cambodia’s alleged use of anti-personnel landmines, labeling the actions as “dishonest” and a violation of international agreements. The Ministry’s statement emphasized the repeated nature of these incidents as contrary to the United Nations Charter and the Ottawa Convention, and called for an immediate cessation of such activities. Additionally, the Ministry is preparing to lodge protests with both the UN Secretary-General and the Ottawa Convention’s administrative bodies, while also seeking a comprehensive review by temporary ASEAN observers.
According to Thai News Agency, the condemnation is particularly focused on the latest incident involving seven soldiers from the 2610th Ranger Company who were injured by an anti-personnel mine on August 12, 2015, in Surin Province’s Chuptamok Chong area. The Thai government attributes this and previous incidents to Cambodia’s alleged insincerity, characterizing them as violations of international law and humanitarian principles. The Ministry underscored that such actions breach the Anti-Personnel Mine Ban Convention and the ceasefire agreements reached during the Thailand-Cambodia General Border Committee meeting on August 7, 2025, in Kuala Lumpur.
The Thai government plans to formally protest not only to Cambodia but also to the President of the Convention and the United Nations Secretary-General. It has urged the international community, including organizations aiding Cambodia in landmine clearance, to reconsider their support. Additionally, Thailand is evaluating further countermeasures in response to Cambodia’s alleged violations.
Thailand reiterated its dedication to the Ottawa Convention and expressed disappointment over Cambodia’s actions, highlighting the irony of a country that has experienced genocide now deploying landmines. The Ministry called on the ASEAN Community to pressure Cambodia into adhering to international laws and to ensure that ASEAN Observer Missions thoroughly investigate these incidents during future border visits, ensuring the safety of civilians in both countries.