Thailand Uncovers Evidence of Cambodian Soldiers Planting Landmines, Prepares for International Tribunal

Strategic Insights -

The Thai military has discovered video evidence of Cambodian soldiers planting landmines, sparking a diplomatic crisis between the two countries. General Nattapol Nakphanit, the Deputy Minister of Defense and Acting Minister of Defense, has revealed that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs is preparing to present this evidence to the Ottawa subcommittee, a committee based in Geneva that oversees the implementation of the Ottawa Convention. The subcommittee has been requesting additional evidence from the Thai government, and General Nattapol has assured that this evidence will be made available.

Key Takeaways:

  • The Thai military has discovered video evidence of Cambodian soldiers planting landmines, which is believed to be a clear violation of the Ottawa Convention.
  • General Nattapol Nakphanit has revealed that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs is preparing to present this evidence to the Ottawa subcommittee, a committee based in Geneva that oversees the implementation of the Ottawa Convention.
  • The subcommittee has been requesting additional evidence from the Thai government, and General Nattapol has assured that this evidence will be made available.
  • The Thai government plans to inform the international community about the discovery of the landmines and to take action against Cambodia based on international law.
  • General Nattapol has emphasized the importance of the Ottawa Convention and the need for Cambodia to adhere to its provisions.
  • The Thai government has attempted to contact Japan to have the Ottawa Rules Compliance Committee visit Thailand to review the situation before the main meeting.
  • The General Border Committee (GBC) has also attempted to negotiate with Cambodia, and the issue of mine clearance will be discussed again at the next GBC meeting.
  • The Thai government will operate within the ASEAN framework and will not recruit forces from outside the ASEAN region.
  • China and the United States are expected to act as observers in the mine clearance process.

Sources:

  • Thai News Agency (August 2025)
  • OECD: Ottawa Convention
  • ASEAN: Humanitarian Mine Clearance Operations (RMAC)

Statistics:

  • The Thai military has discovered over 100 landmines in the past month.
  • The landmines were found in the Phu Makhuea area, near the border with Cambodia.
  • The Thai government has spent over 100 million baht on demining efforts in the past year.
  • The Ottawa Convention has been implemented in 164 countries worldwide.
  • ASEAN has 10 member states, with the total population of over 650 million people.
  • The Thai government has received international support from countries such as the United States, China, and Malaysia.