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Thailand and Cambodia Engage in Escalating Mine Conflict, UN Intervention Sought

Strategic Insights

— 2 min read

Tension along the Thai-Cambodian border has reached a boiling point as the Royal Thai Army (RTA) accuses Cambodian forces of laying anti-personnel landmines in the area. The presence of PMN-2 mines, discovered during clearance work in Phu Makua on 4 August, has been attributed to Cambodian soldiers by Thai officials. This development has led to an intervention request from Thailand to the United Nations, sparking scrutiny from other countries and raising the stakes for a resolution.

Key Takeaways:

  • The RTA has found 41 PMN-2 mines in Thailand since mid-July 2025, including sites close to the Ta Muen Thom temple, which were deliberately planted by Cambodian forces, according to the RTA.
  • Thai soldiers have suffered injuries in mine explosions since mid-July 2025, including amputations and foot injuries, with a total of five incidents reported.
  • The RTA has accused Cambodia of breaching the Ottawa Convention, which prohibits the use, storage, production, and sharing of anti-personnel mines, with Thailand accusing Cambodia of using mine funds meant for removal for other purposes.
  • Cambodia has denied the RTA's claims, stating that the mines were old and not laid by its forces, with Chief of Cambodia's Mine Action Centre Heng Ratana questioning the safety pins being in place.
  • Thai officials have produced photos and videos, including footage on the RTATrend Facebook page, showing Cambodian soldiers handling PMN-2 mines near disputed areas.
  • Thailand has formally taken its grievances to the UN, accusing Cambodia of acts of aggression and breaches of the UN Charter, with Thai authorities justifying their military responses as self-defence.
  • The Thai government has filed complaints with the head of the Ottawa Convention, now Japan, and is seeking international pressure on the Cambodian government to respect the convention.

Statistics:

  • At least 41 PMN-2 mines have been found in Thailand since mid-July 2025, with 5 incidents of mine explosions injuring Thai soldiers.
  • 18 Cambodian troops are currently being detained by the RTA, with Thai officials insisting they will not be released until Cambodia observes the ceasefire and puts an end to mine laying.
  • Thailand has accused Cambodia of holding onto anti-personnel mines as recently as 2024, contrary to Cambodia's claims of adhering to the Ottawa Treaty.
  • The RTA has detected over a hundred PMN-2 and TM-57 mines remaining hidden in the area, sparking urgent clearance work by the Thailand Mine Action Centre (TMAC).
  • Thailand has asked for the withdrawal of its charge d'affaires from Cambodia in light of the ongoing incidents, with Acting Prime Minister Phumtham Wechayachai confirming the plan to keep pressure on the UN.

Sources:

  • "Thai Officials Allege Cambodia Laid Mines Along Border, Escalating Tensions" (AFP News)
  • "Cambodia Rejects Thai Allegations of Laying Mines Along Border" (Khmer Times)
  • "Thailand Accuses Cambodia of Breaching Ottawa Convention, UN Intervention Sought" (Asian Review News)
  • "Cambodia Says It Adheres to Ottawa Treaty on Mines" (CNN Asia)

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