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Diplomats from Foreign Countries Survey Thai-Cambodian Boundary During Mine Controversy

Thai authorities display evidence of recent mine plantings in Sisaket province, urging global diplomatic intervention against Cambodia

Diplomatic Personnel Explore Thai-Cambodian Frontier During Landmine Controversy
Diplomatic Personnel Explore Thai-Cambodian Frontier During Landmine Controversy

Diplomats from Foreign Countries Survey Thai-Cambodian Boundary During Mine Controversy

Thailand has escalated diplomatic action against Cambodia, accusing the latter of intentionally planting landmines targeting Thai personnel along their shared border. The Royal Thai Army and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs have presented detailed evidence to international diplomats, ASEAN representatives, parties to the Ottawa Treaty, NGOs, and international organizations, and conducted field visits to affected areas to highlight the issue.

On August 16, 2025, the Royal Thai Army presented eight key points of evidence to diplomats, refuting Cambodia’s claims that landmines were old remnants or set up by Thailand itself. The evidence showed systematic placement of mines in front of Cambodian positions, with only Thai troops affected.

A delegation led by Thailand’s Foreign Minister visited the border area, including mine clearance operations and civilian sites, to provide firsthand information to the international community. They underscored that Cambodia’s actions violate international law, including the Ottawa Convention against landmines, which both states have ratified.

The international response so far primarily involves observation and urging compliance, with an emphasis on adherence to international law and the Ottawa Convention. ASEAN diplomats, parties to the Ottawa Treaty, humanitarian NGOs, the International Committee of the Red Cross, and the Interim Observer Team have been engaged and involved in observing and verifying the situation.

Thailand urges donor countries and international supporters involved in Cambodia’s demining efforts to pressure Cambodia to comply with its humanitarian and legal obligations. However, no new information was provided about any specific actions or sanctions the international community is being called to take against Cambodia.

The delegation, consisting of ambassadors from 33 countries, was led by Foreign Minister Maris Sangiampongsa. During the visit, they were shown a video detailing the impact of the border conflict on 24 July 2025, which showed a PTT petrol station hit by a BM-21 rocket, killing eight civilians and injuring 19 others.

The Foreign Minister demanded that Cambodia cooperate with Thailand's Mine Action Centre (TMAC) in a joint effort to clear all landmines. He also called on the international community to condemn Cambodia's actions for violating the Ottawa Convention. However, Cambodia denies the allegations, calling them distortions of facts.

This conflict and diplomatic tension follow wider Cambodia–Thailand border-related disputes, with ceasefire agreements earlier in 2025. The border conflict has displaced hundreds of thousands of people and left over 50 unexploded ordnance in the area, which Thai authorities are now working to clear.

The tour was aimed at showing evidence of newly planted landmines. The delegation included representatives from ASEAN and other signatories of the Ottawa Convention. However, no new information was provided about the involvement of ASEAN or other signatories of the Ottawa Convention in the diplomatic efforts.

The Foreign Minister did not mention any cooperation from Cambodia during the meeting with the Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi. The status of the ceasefire on the border remains unclear.

In light of the presented evidence, Thailand is advocating for the international community to apply pressure on Cambodia to comply with its humanitarian and legal obligations, as outlined in the Ottawa Convention against landmines. The Foreign Minister has called on the international community to condemn Cambodia's actions for violating this treaty.

Said diplomatic efforts involve various international organizations, such as ASEAN representatives, parties to the Ottawa Treaty, humanitarian NGOs, the International Committee of the Red Cross, and the Interim Observer Team, who are all engaged in observing and verifying the ongoing situation on the Thai-Cambodian border.ambassadors from 33 countries, including those from ASEAN and other signatories of the Ottawa Convention, were also part of a delegation led by Foreign Minister Maris Sangiampongsa during a recent tour aimed at showcasing the impact of the border conflict and evidence of newly planted landmines.

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