In a move to address growing tensions over the Thailand-Cambodia border, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs held a follow-up briefing session for 93 members of the Diplomatic Corps and Defence Attachés from 68 countries/organizations on 23 July 2025.
The purpose of the briefing was to provide updates on the recent incident in which Royal Thai Army personnel stepped on a landmine in the Chong Bok area, Ubon Ratchathani province, on 16 July 2025. The briefing was led by Mrs. Eksiri Pintaruchi, Permanent Secretary for Foreign Affairs, who outlined Thailand’s position on the matter and reiterated its commitment to resolving the situation peacefully through existing bilateral channels.
Thailand strongly condemns the use of landmines, which constitutes a violation of the country’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, as well as a clear breach of the Anti-Personnel Mine Ban Convention. The Permanent Secretary emphasized Thailand’s obligations under the Convention, including reporting landmines discovered in its territory and lodging a formal protest against Cambodia’s actions.
The briefing also provided an update on the measures taken by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to address the situation, including the handover of a formal protest letter to the representative of the Royal Embassy of Cambodia to Thailand. Furthermore, Ambassador and Permanent Representative of Thailand to the United Nations in Geneva, Thailand has sent a letter to the Ambassador and Permanent Representative of Japan to the Conference on Disarmament, in his capacity as President-Designate of the Twenty-Second Meeting of the States Parties to the Ottawa Convention.
The Thai side informed the Diplomatic Corps of various measures undertaken by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to promote bilateral cooperation between Thailand and Cambodia. These include, but are not limited to, the Joint Boundary Commission (JBC), the General Border Committee (GBC), and the Regional Border Committee (RBC).
In conclusion, the Permanent Secretary reaffirmed Thailand’s call for Cambodia to uphold its obligations under the Convention and to cooperate in resolving border issues with Thailand through established bilateral mechanisms. The Minister of Foreign Affairs has expressed gratitude to all member states for their continued support in addressing this issue.
The Thailand-Cambodia border situation remains a pressing concern for regional stability, and diplomatic efforts will continue to be made to resolve the matter peacefully and amicably.
Regional Implications
The incident highlights the need for increased cooperation between Thailand and Cambodia to address border disputes and promote regional security. The briefing underscores the importance of adhering to international conventions and agreements aimed at preventing the use of landmines in conflict zones.
Next Steps
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs will continue to engage with its counterparts in Cambodia and other regional stakeholders to find a peaceful resolution to the border dispute. Diplomatic efforts will be sustained to promote bilateral cooperation and address outstanding issues through established channels.
In light of this briefing, it is essential for all member states to remain vigilant and supportive of Thailand’s efforts to resolve the situation peacefully. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs will provide further updates on this matter as more information becomes available.
Conclusion
The follow-up briefing session demonstrates the Ministry of Foreign Affairs’ commitment to addressing the Thailand-Cambodia border situation through diplomatic means. By reaffirming its call for Cambodia to uphold its obligations under international conventions, Thailand reinforces its position as a responsible and proactive regional player in promoting peace and stability.
This situation underscores the importance of continued engagement and cooperation between Thailand and Cambodia to address outstanding issues and promote regional security. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs will continue to work tirelessly to resolve this matter peacefully and amicably.