Bangkok: A spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs has announced that the Thai ambassador in Geneva is accelerating the submission of evidence to the Ottawa Convention mechanism concerning the alleged Cambodian mine-laying in Thailand. This initiative is proceeding in anticipation of the upcoming meeting scheduled for August 22.
According to Thai News Agency, Mr. Nikorndej Plangkura, spokesman for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, updated on the situation at the Thai-Cambodian border. On August 16, 2015, a delegation was dispatched to Sisaket Province to observe anti-personnel mines along the Cambodian border. The delegation included Mr. Maris Sengiampong, Minister of Foreign Affairs, and the Assistant Minister of Foreign Affairs, alongside representatives from the Royal Thai Army and the Ministry of Interior. Ambassadors from ASEAN member states, Ottawa Convention state parties, civil society organizations, and Thai and international media were also present to witness the mines allegedly planted by Cambodia on Thai territory.
During this visit, a detailed briefing was provided on the events leading to Thai soldiers being injured by landmines in Thai territory. Observations were made by a humanitarian mine clearance unit in the Phu Makhuea area of Sisaket Province, demonstrating evidence of Cambodian anti-personnel mines on Thai soil. The delegation was informed by the operational unit and witnessed evidence of bombings that caused permanent injuries to Thai soldiers, highlighting the long-term societal impacts.
The delegation also witnessed the extensive damage from Cambodian attacks in Kantharalak District, Sisaket Province. This reinforced the view that Cambodia's deployment of explosives on Thai territory violates Thailand's sovereignty, international law, the United Nations Charter, international humanitarian law, and obligations under the Ottawa Convention. These actions also breach the ceasefire agreement, which mandates the cessation of weapon use and the laying of anti-personnel mines by both parties.
The visit urged the international community to reassess assistance provided to Cambodia for demining and collectively pressure Cambodia to adhere to its Ottawa Convention obligations.
Thailand, in alignment with its Ottawa Convention commitments, has consistently protested Cambodia's actions, including representations to the ASEAN Chair in Malaysia. At multilateral forums, Thailand's Permanent Ambassador to the United Nations in Geneva and New York has actively advanced the Ottawa Convention, stimulating an official response before the December Conference of the Parties to address these violations.
Most recently, on July 30th, the Thai Ambassador to Geneva attended a meeting to discuss Cambodia's Convention violations. The next meeting on August 22nd will further present facts and evidence. This committee, within the Ottawa Convention framework, enables affected parties like Thailand to raise concerns, urging the violating parties for clarification and remedy.
In bilateral discussions, Thailand expressed disappointment over Cambodia's rejection of its demining offer at the Regional Border Committee meeting on August 16, 2015. Cambodia's contradictory stance on humanitarian demining, while continuing the use of lethal weapons, violates international humanitarian law and the Standstill Agreement, disregarding the safety of people in both countries.
Thailand has presented evidence of both undeployed and deployed landmines and bomb fragments injuring Thai soldiers, countering any claims of misinformation or staged incidents. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs remains committed to encouraging Cambodia to collaborate on demining efforts and will allow international agencies to investigate.
As the temporary observer visit continues until August 20th, the Royal Thai Army deploys observers to Ubon Ratchathani, Sisaket, and Surin provinces. This 14-member team, comprising military assistants from countries like Malaysia, Brunei, and Spain, will observe Cambodia's agreement violations and support the international community with direct evidence.
The ICRC's field visit, following a prior meeting with prisoners, confirms Thailand's cooperation with international agencies in line with human rights and international standards.
Finally, Thailand reaffirms its commitment to peacefully resolving the issue with Cambodia through bilateral mechanisms. It is hopeful that forthcoming meetings, including the RBC, GBC, and JBC, hosted by Thailand, will ease tensions and lay the groundwork for future resolutions.