Bangkok: Thailand has strongly condemned Cambodia for allegedly flouting international law by repeatedly laying anti-personnel mines along the Thai-Cambodian border, a move Thailand claims is in direct violation of the Ottawa Convention and a recently reached ceasefire agreement.
According to Thai News Agency, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Thailand convened a briefing for diplomats from member states of the Ottawa Convention to highlight Cambodia's alleged breach of the ceasefire agreement through the use of landmines. The briefing, attended by 67 participants from 41 countries and five organizations, aimed to garner international support to urge Cambodia to cease its actions. The Ministry presented evidence of Cambodia's PMN-2 mines, which were reportedly cleared from areas including Chong Don Ao, Kritsana, and Jup Tamok.
Mr. Maris Sngiampong, Thailand's Minister of Foreign Affairs, addressed the gathering via video link from the 10th Mekong-Lancang Cooperation Foreign Ministers' Meeting in China. He emphasized the importance of the briefing in providing comprehensive information on the mine situation to key countries and organizations associated with the Anti-Personnel Mine Ban Convention, as well as ASEAN member states involved in the temporary observer mission established at the 16th Extraordinary Meeting of the Thai-Cambodian General Border Committee.
Thailand has been a steadfast adherent to its obligations under the Ottawa Convention, having cleared and returned over 99% of its mine-affected land to communities. The recent landmine incidents on the border have disturbed Thailand, as they signal a deliberate violation of sovereignty and international law by Cambodia. These actions, Thailand asserts, undermine the Ottawa Convention and the Siem Reap-Angkor Declaration of 2014, posing a grave challenge to international humanitarian principles.
The recent extraordinary meeting of the Thai-Cambodian General Border Committee in Kuala Lumpur resulted in a ceasefire agreement, which Thailand claims to have honored. However, incidents involving Thai soldiers stepping on newly laid mines have occurred within days of the agreement, with Thailand attributing these actions to Cambodia.
Mr. Maris revealed that the Thai Prime Minister had proposed a humanitarian mine clearance operation to the Cambodian Prime Minister, which was approved but not implemented by Cambodia. He also highlighted the obstructive actions of Cambodian military officials in hindering Thai mine clearance operations.
These developments not only concern Thailand but also the international community, especially donors supporting Cambodia. Thailand has appealed to the global community to take decisive actions to ensure Cambodia adheres to its legal obligations under the Ottawa Convention and international humanitarian law.
Thailand has formally notified the UN Secretary-General about the situation and has sought clarification from Cambodia under Article 8, paragraph 2 of the Ottawa Convention. The Thai government remains committed to resolving the issue through international cooperation and adherence to established conventions.
The briefing concluded with officials displaying samples of Cambodian PMN-2 mines found in border regions, underscoring the ongoing security threat. Mr. Maris extended an invitation to observe the landmine situation firsthand, reaffirming Thailand's dedication to its international commitments.