Thai Foreign Minister Condemns Cambodia's Borderland Mine Laying
Thailand criticizes Cambodia's deployment of landmines ahead of international visits
In a recorded address to an international gathering, Thai Foreign Minister Maris Sangiampongsa condemned Cambodia for laying mines along the border with Thailand. The briefing, attended by envoys from over 40 nations, was held on Friday morning and focused on the ongoing issue of landmine explosions along the contested border.
The minister's address came after a Thai soldier was reportedly injured by a newly laid mine by Cambodia. This incident is the latest in a series of border disputes between the two countries, which have been marked by landmine incidents and military clashes.
Thailand has repeatedly accused Cambodia of laying new landmines along the border, a charge that Cambodia has consistently denied. The issue has drawn international attention due to its implications for regional stability and the potential for renewed conflict.
The minister's condemnation was particularly strong, as he pointed out that the use of mines violates international humanitarian law and damages the spirit of the Siem Reap-Angkor Declaration. He also emphasised that Cambodia's repeated mine explosions indicate an intent to infringe upon Thai sovereignty and territory and to undermine the Ottawa Convention.
The Ottawa Convention, also known as the Mine Ban Treaty, explicitly bans the use of anti-personnel landmines. The briefing for member states of the Ottawa Convention provided an opportunity to address these allegations in the context of adhering to this international agreement.
Thailand has upheld its commitment to the Ottawa Convention for over two decades, retrieving more than 99% of mines across about 2,500 square kilometres of land. However, recent efforts to clear mines have been halted, and Cambodian soldiers have impeded Thai clearance operations in recent years.
The foreign minister called on the international community to take all necessary measures to stop Cambodia's use of mines and ensure its compliance with the Ottawa Convention and humanitarian laws. He also urged ASEAN to have its interim observer team review the issue in detail.
The matter has been presented to the United Nations Secretary-General, and the international community, including ASEAN and the UN Security Council, has called for a peaceful resolution to the border disputes and adherence to international norms and agreements. The recent ceasefire between the two countries is seen as a positive step towards resolving the ongoing conflict, but the issue of landmine use remains a significant obstacle to lasting peace.
The Thai Foreign Minister's strong condemnation of Cambodia's mine laying along the border, during a meeting attended by diplomats from various nations, highlights the ongoing politics and general news surrounding war-and-conflicts, crime-and-justice, and policy-and-legislation. The incident is a violation of international humanitarian law, particularly the Ottawa Convention, which Thailand has upheld for over two decades, and the issue has drawn attention for its implications on regional stability, as well as potential renewed conflict. The foreign minister is urging the international community to take action, including ASEAN, to enforce compliance with the Ottawa Convention and humanitarian laws.
