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Soldiers

Thailand Condemns Cambodia's Violation of Landmine Agreement

Strategic Insights

— 2 min read

The National Security Council (NSC) of Thailand has confirmed the authenticity of a video clip showing Cambodian soldiers using PMN 2 anti-personnel mines in the Phu Makhuea area, a clear violation of the agreement on the use of landmines and the Ottawa Convention. Rear Admiral Surasan Kongsiri, spokesman for the Ministry of Defense, and Ms. Maratee Nalita Andamo, Deputy Director-General of the Department of Information and Deputy Spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, announced the results of the meeting of the Thai-Cambodian Border Situation Management Task Force (CBMS) on Wednesday, August 20, 2025. The NSC will submit evidence this Friday to present to the Ottawa Convention Conference, which will meet on August 22. The Thai government has consistently provided humanitarian assistance to Cambodia, but has been met with refusal and hostility, culminating in the recent landmine deployment.

Key Takeaways:

  • Thailand has confirmed the authenticity of a video clip showing Cambodian soldiers using PMN 2 anti-personnel mines in the Phu Makhuea area, violating the Ottawa Convention and the agreement on the use of landmines.
  • Rear Admiral Surasan Kongsiri stated that the overall border situation remains normal, despite the evidence of landmine deployment.
  • The Royal Thai Navy's discovery of Cambodian mobile phones revealed significant evidence confirming the use of PMN 2 anti-personnel mines by Cambodian soldiers.
  • The evidence, which includes video clips and photographs, clearly shows the use of mines before secretly listening to them in the border area.
  • The recording, in Khmer, demonstrates the use of the mines and identifies the date and time the photograph was taken, as well as the location.
  • Thailand has provided assistance to refugees from the genocide, but Cambodia has refused to return anyone, instead establishing communities on Thai territory.
  • Cambodia has used its people as a human barrier, unlawfully encroaching on Thai sovereignty and provoking border tensions.
  • Rear Admiral Surasan stated that Thailand has the right to protect and defend the safety of the Thai people and security forces, and has installed barbed wire barriers in accordance with the GBC agreement.
  • The area where the landmines were deployed is 100% Thai territory, and Thailand has taken steps to repatriate the remains of Cambodian soldiers who were stranded in the area.
  • The Thai government has consistently provided humanitarian assistance to Cambodia, but has been met with refusal and hostility.

Statistics:

  • 100% of the area in question, including the Phu Makhuea area, has been under Thai sovereignty since 1975.
  • 20 August 2025: The National Security Council (NSC) confirmed the authenticity of the video clip of Cambodian soldiers.
  • 19 August 2015: The 1st Clearance Team of the Royal Thai Navy's Humanitarian Mine Action Unit discovered a Cambodian soldier's mobile phone discarded in the Phu Makhuea area.
  • 18-20 August: The temporary observer team (IOT) conducted operations in the area, in accordance with the agreement of the General Border Committee (GBC) meeting.
  • August 7, 2025: Thailand and Cambodia signed the GBC agreement, which includes provisions for refraining from building or developing military infrastructure outside their respective borders.
  • August 22, 2025: The Ottawa Convention Committee will meet to discuss compliance with the Convention.

Sources:

  • Thai News Agency
  • National Security Council (NSC) of Thailand
  • Ministry of Defense, Thailand
  • Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Thailand
  • The Royal Thai Navy
  • ASEAN observer delegation
  • The Geneva Conventions
  • The Ottawa Convention
  • The General Border Committee (GBC)

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