Thai Officials Accuse Cambodia of Violating International Treaty on Anti-Personnel Landmines

Strategic Insights -

Thai officials have accused Cambodia of violating the Ottawa Convention by planting new anti-personnel landmines along their shared border. This claim was made during a tour of the Thai-Cambodian border where a delegation of ambassadors from 33 countries, including representatives from ASEAN, witnessed firsthand the evidence of mines that have injured five Thai soldiers since a recent border incident. Foreign Minister Maris Sangiampongsa called on the international community to condemn Cambodia's actions, describing the act as a "serious breach of international law" and a violation of Thailand's sovereignty.

Key Takeaways:

  • The Thai government has accused Cambodia of violating the Ottawa Convention by planting new anti-personnel landmines along the Thai-Cambodian border.
  • A delegation of ambassadors from 33 countries, including representatives from ASEAN, was taken on a tour of the border to witness the evidence of mines that have injured five Thai soldiers since a recent border incident.
  • Foreign Minister Maris Sangiampongsa described the act as a "serious breach of international law" and a violation of Thailand's sovereignty, and demanded that Cambodia cooperate with Thailand's Mine Action Centre (TMAC) in a joint effort to clear all landmines.
  • Five local villagers who had lost limbs to landmines shared their stories of suffering and explained the lasting psychological toll of the conflict with the diplomats.
  • The conflict began on July 24, 2025, and has resulted in the displacement of hundreds of thousands of people and left over 50 unexploded ordnance in the area.
  • Thai authorities are working to clear the unexploded ordnance and have vowed to proceed with a mine clearance operation if Cambodia refuses to cooperate.

Statistics:

  • 33 countries were represented in the delegation that toured the Thai-Cambodian border.
  • Five Thai soldiers have been injured by anti-personnel landmines since a recent border incident.
  • 19 people were injured in the attack on the PTT petrol station, and 8 civilians were killed.
  • Hundreds of thousands of people have been displaced due to the conflict.
  • 50 unexploded ordnance remain in the area.

Sources:

  • "Thai Officials Accuse Cambodia of Violating International Treaty on Anti-Personnel Landmines" (Voice of America)
  • "Cambodia Accused of Violating International Treaty on Landmines" (Reuters)
  • "Thailand Warns Cambodia Over Landmines" (Bloomberg)