Thai demonstrators voice opposition against Cambodia's deployment of landmines
Thailand Accuses Cambodia of Planting Landmines, Violating International Law
In a series of diplomatic letters, Thailand has accused Cambodia of planting Russian-made PMN-2 landmines along the border between the two countries, a violation of the Ottawa Convention that Cambodia ratified in 1999.
The first letter, dated July 23, was submitted to be circulated to all state parties to ensure that they are informed of Cambodia's violation of the Ottawa Convention. In the letter, Thailand noted Cambodia's violation of Article 1 of the convention in the Chong Bok area.
The second letter, dated July 24, was addressed to the Cambodian government and accused Cambodia of committing an act of aggression against Thailand's territory in the Chong An Ma area. Thailand also stated that the act of aggression by Cambodia affected local populations and constituted a violation of international law, including the UN charter and international humanitarian law.
The incidents resulted in the serious injury of 11 Thai military personnel. The investigation suggested that landmines were recently planted in the Chong Don Ao-Krisana area, which had previously been cleared of landmines. The landmine incidents occurred in the border areas of Ubon Ratchathani and Si Sa Ket provinces in July and August.
The third letter, submitted on Saturday, noted a violation of international law in the Chong Don Ao-Krisana area of Si Sa Ket. The letter was submitted to the president-designate of the 22nd Meeting of the States Parties to the Ottawa Convention. The third letter also expressed regret as the incident occurred two days after the Extraordinary General Border Committee meeting in Kuala Lumpur, where Thailand proposed joint demining operations. Unfortunately, Cambodia declined to accept Thailand's proposal for joint demining operations at the meeting.
Thailand has initiated diplomatic actions under the Anti-Personnel Mine Ban Convention (Ottawa Convention) following three separate landmine incidents. The Thai military has stated that the mines were recently planted by Cambodian forces. The mines identified are Russian-made PMN-2 models, which are known to be in Cambodia's possession.
Cambodia has challenged Thailand's public claims, suggesting that Thailand may also be violating the convention and disputing the attribution of the mines. However, Thailand has presented clear evidence that these landmines were freshly laid by Cambodian forces, thereby breaching Cambodia’s obligations under the Ottawa Convention and international humanitarian law.
The Royal Thai Army calls on Cambodia to cease using anti-personnel mines, which are considered inhumane weapons under the Ottawa Convention, and to honor the ceasefire agreement. The matter is currently under international scrutiny with notifications submitted to the UN.
This situation represents an ongoing and highly disputed border issue involving serious allegations of international humanitarian law violations. At the General Border Committee meeting, Thailand proposed joint demining operations, as earlier agreed on between the prime ministers of the two countries. Cambodian forces have also been reported to obstruct Thai humanitarian demining efforts along the border and delayed agreed-upon joint demining operations.
- The ongoing dispute between Thailand and Cambodia over landmine incidents along their border extends beyond war-and-conflicts, involving politics and general news, as the issue is now under international scrutiny.
- Amidst accusations of Cambodia violating international law by planting landmines, the topic of crime-and-justice and adherence to international humanitarian law becomes increasingly relevant.
