Cambodia's recent planting of anti-personnel mines in disputed territories has sent shockwaves throughout the region, prompting Thailand to take a tough stance against its neighbor. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has submitted three letters to the United Nations Office in Geneva, denouncing Cambodia's violations of the Ottawa Convention and calling for action.
In a move that could potentially strain relations between the two countries, Thailand has requested that all States Parties to the convention be duly informed of Cambodia's violations. This development comes on the heels of three recent incidents in which Thai military personnel were seriously injured after stepping on anti-personnel mines planted by Cambodian forces in Ubon Ratchathani Province.
The incident on July 16, 2025, in Chong Bok area, Ubon Ratchathani Province, resulted in the injury of four Thai soldiers. The mine was identified as a PMN-2 type, which is still in Cambodia's possession. This sparked concerns that Cambodia may be flouting international law by retaining anti-personnel mines despite being a member of the Ottawa Convention.
Thailand has also condemned Cambodia for carrying out indiscriminate armed attacks against Thailand's territory, resulting in humanitarian consequences and constituting a violation of international law, including the UN Charter and international humanitarian law. The incident on July 23, 2025, in Chong An Ma area, Ubon Ratchathani Province, left one Thai soldier critically injured.
The latest incident occurred on August 9, 2025, in Chong Don Ao – Krisana area, Kantharalak District, Si Sa Ket Province, where a Thai soldier stepped on an anti-personnel mine. The investigation revealed that the mine was recently planted, constituting a gross violation of international law.
Thailand has completed the destruction of all stockpiled anti-personnel mines in 2003 and those retained for research and training purposes in 2019. Cambodia, however, continues to retain PMN-2 type mines for research and training purposes.
"The recent incidents are a clear indication that Cambodia is not taking its obligations under the Ottawa Convention seriously," said Dr. Srisuwan Jansomwansuk, a senior fellow at the Thai Institute of International Affairs. "Thailand has no choice but to take action to protect its sovereignty and territorial integrity."
The move could have significant implications for regional stability, particularly given Cambodia's role as a key player in ASEAN. Diplomats from several countries have called on Thailand to be more constructive in addressing the issue, but experts say that Thailand's response is justified.
"The Ottawa Convention is clear: States Parties are prohibited from the use, stockpiling, producing, or transferring anti-personnel mines," said General Thawatchai Arksornthai, a retired Thai Army general and former chief of the Royal Thai Armed Forces. "Thailand has a responsibility to uphold this convention."
As tensions escalate between Thailand and Cambodia, regional actors are watching closely. The United States, China, and ASEAN have all expressed concerns about the situation, but it remains to be seen how they will intervene.
In the short term, Thailand's actions may lead to increased military presence along the border, potentially straining relations with Cambodia. However, in the long term, this could also serve as a catalyst for greater cooperation between Thailand and Cambodia on demining and counter-terrorism efforts.
As the situation continues to unfold, one thing is clear: Cambodia's recent actions have pushed Thailand to its limits, and the consequences will be felt for years to come.
### Future Impact
In the next six months, tensions between Thailand and Cambodia are likely to escalate further. The Thai government may impose strict controls on trade with Cambodia or restrict travel between the two countries. In response, Cambodia could attempt to isolate Thailand diplomatically, potentially leading to a diplomatic crisis in ASEAN.
However, experts argue that this situation also presents an opportunity for greater cooperation between Thailand and Cambodia on counter-terrorism and demining efforts.
In the longer term, Thailand's actions may lead to a shift in regional dynamics, with other countries taking notice of the consequences of flouting international law. This could potentially strengthen Thailand's position as a key player in regional security arrangements.
### Scenarios
Best Case: Diplomatic Crisis Averted
Thailand and Cambodia reach a bilateral agreement on demining and counter-terrorism efforts, reducing tensions and preventing a full-blown diplomatic crisis.
Worst Case: Regional Instability
Tensions between Thailand and Cambodia escalate further, leading to increased military presence along the border and potentially straining relations with other regional actors. This could lead to a wider conflict in Southeast Asia, destabilizing the region.
Most Likely:
Thailand's actions lead to increased cooperation between Thailand and Cambodia on demining and counter-terrorism efforts, but tensions remain high until both sides demonstrate a commitment to upholding international law.