In a statement released on 29 Jul 2025, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Thailand instructed its ambassadors and permanent representatives to submit letters to the United Nations Office in Geneva and New York, condemning Cambodia’s alleged violation of the Ottawa Convention. The move follows incidents on 16 and 23 July 2025 where Thai military personnel stepped on landmines while conducting routine patrols along established routes within Thailand’s territory, resulting in multiple injuries and two permanent disabilities.
The letters informed the President-designate of the Twenty-Second Meeting of the States Parties to the Anti-Personnel Mine Ban Convention (Ottawa Convention) about the incidents and Cambodia’s violation of Article 1 of the Convention, which prohibits the use or stockpiling of anti-personnel mines. The letters also underscored the grave breach of Thailand’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, a severe violation of fundamental principles of international law, the United Nations Charter, and international humanitarian law.
Furthermore, on 24 Jul 2025, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs instructed its ambassador to submit a letter to the Secretary-General of the United Nations, notifying him of Cambodia’s alleged violation of Article 1 of the Ottawa Convention. The request was made pursuant to the mechanism under Article 8, paragraph 2, of the Ottawa Convention, which allows a State Party to seek clarification and resolve questions relating to compliance with the provisions of the Convention through the Secretary-General.
Thailand has remained fully committed to fulfilling the obligations under the Ottawa Convention since becoming a State Party in 1999. The country completed the destruction of all stockpiled anti-personnel mines in 2003 and subsequently destroyed all mines retained for research and training purposes in 2019. Thailand has also released more than 99% of all mined-contaminated areas, with the remaining areas located along the Thailand-Cambodia border.
Thailand continues to play an active role in the Ottawa Convention framework and is currently serving as Chair of the Committee on Article 5 Implementation, with a mandate to intensify efforts to ensure the clearance of all anti-personnel mines in mined areas under its jurisdiction or control. The Ministry’s actions demonstrate Thailand’s commitment to upholding international law and promoting regional stability.
Thailand’s diplomatic move highlights the need for greater accountability among member states of the Ottawa Convention and underscores the importance of cooperation in addressing the legacy of landmines. As Chair of the Committee on Article 5 Implementation, Thailand will continue to work with other States Parties to ensure that all anti-personnel mines are cleared from mined areas under its jurisdiction or control.
In conclusion, Thailand’s strong stance against Cambodia’s alleged violation of the Ottawa Convention reflects the country’s commitment to upholding international law and promoting regional stability. The move highlights the need for greater accountability among member states and underscores the importance of cooperation in addressing the legacy of landmines.
Key Developments
- Thailand instructs its ambassadors and permanent representatives to submit letters to the United Nations Office in Geneva and New York, condemning Cambodia’s alleged violation of the Ottawa Convention.
- Cambodia allegedly planted new landmines in previously demined zones within Thailand’s territory, resulting in multiple injuries and two permanent disabilities among Thai military personnel.
- Thailand remains fully committed to fulfilling the obligations under the Ottawa Convention, having completed the destruction of all stockpiled anti-personnel mines in 2003 and releasing more than 99% of all mined-contaminated areas.
About Thailand’s Role in Regional Affairs
Thailand plays an active role in regional affairs, with a strong commitment to upholding international law and promoting regional stability. The country continues to work closely with other States Parties to the Ottawa Convention, including Cambodia, to address the legacy of landmines and promote cooperation in addressing this global challenge.
Conclusion
Thailand’s diplomatic move against Cambodia’s alleged violation of the Ottawa Convention reflects the country’s commitment to upholding international law and promoting regional stability. As Chair of the Committee on Article 5 Implementation, Thailand will continue to work with other States Parties to ensure that all anti-personnel mines are cleared from mined areas under its jurisdiction or control.