Thailand alleges Cambodia's involvement in laying landmines after three soldiers sustain injuries in an explosion near the border.
Border Tensions Escalate Between Thailand and Cambodia
Tensions between Thailand and Cambodia have been simmering since May, with border disputes leading to crossing restrictions and cross-border boycotts. The latest escalation came in the form of a mine explosion, which the Thai army claims has been a significant obstacle to the implementation of ceasefire measures and the peaceful resolution of problems.
The Thai army's statement accused the latest mine explosion, which occurred in Thailand's Sisaket province along the border with Cambodia, of being a violation of the Ottawa Convention by the Cambodian side. The Ottawa Convention, to which both countries are signatories, bans the use, stockpiling, production, and transfer of antipersonnel mines.
In the latest incident, a Thai sergeant major suffered severe injuries, including losing his left foot, while two privates sustained lesser injuries. This is the third such incident in less than a month where new landmines have been laid in disputed territory.
Cambodia, however, denies laying new landmines in the recent incident. The country has a record of removing, not deploying, landmines, and is a party to the Anti-Personnel Mine Ban Treaty Convention. Cambodia has cleared over one million landmines and nearly three million other pieces of unexploded ordnance.
The Cambodian government suggests that the two earlier explosions last month, which wounded five Thai soldiers, might be from past conflicts' landmines. However, the repeated incidents have heightened tensions despite the ceasefire and have led to increased security measures and diplomatic warnings from Thailand.
The fighting last month ended with a ceasefire that took effect on July 29, but tension remains high. Just two days prior to the latest mine explosion, Thailand and Cambodia had reaffirmed their adherence to a ceasefire to end a brief armed conflict.
In response to Cambodia's actions, Thailand has not only deployed military readiness but also engaged in diplomatic and public relations efforts to counter Cambodia's narrative. This includes appointing notable figures to respond to Cambodia’s defense statements.
The escalating dispute between Thailand and Cambodia led to fighting that broke out last month, causing numerous casualties and displacement. A 13-point agreement was committed to at a meeting in Malaysia on Thursday, with both countries vowing to implement their truce.
Despite the ongoing tensions, both countries have suffered losses. In addition to the military casualties, civilians have also been killed, and over 260,000 have been displaced. A Cambodian soldier was shot dead by Thai troops in May in another contested border area.
The continued use of landmines by Cambodia post-ceasefire has disrupted the fragile peace along the border, leading to protests, military vigilance, and diplomatic strain between the two nations.
- The escalation of border tensions between Thailand and Cambodia is not limited to disputes and boycotts; it also extends to broader issues such as politics and general news, with both nations involved in ongoing diplomatic efforts to counter each other's narratives.
- The war-and-conflicts between Thailand and Cambodia have extended beyond the border clashes, affecting areas like crime-and-justice, as the repeated landmine incidents have led to military casualties and displacement of civilians.
- The ongoing border tensions have also impacted the sports community, as the repeated disruptions have caused postponements and cancellations of cross-border sports events, causing strain in cultural exchange programs between the two nations.
