Thailand strongly condemned the use anti-personnel landmines

Thailand strongly condemned the use of anti-personnel mines near Chok Bok, Ubon Ratchathani which seriously injured three soldiers during a routine patrol at the Thai-Cambodian border on Wednesday.

Nikorndej Balangkura, the spokesperson of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, said that the incident was a violation of its sovereignty and international law.

Furthermore, he added that it is also a clear violation of the obligations under the Anti-Personnel Mine Ban Convention which Thailand is a signatory.

He stated that Thailand will take action in accordance with the anti-personnel landmines convention while continuing to resolve our differences with Cambodia through existing bilateral channels.

Thailand also calls on Cambodia to cooperate on humanitarian demining efforts along the border of the two countries as bilaterally agreed by both Prime Ministers Paetongtarn Shinawatra and Hun Manet.

The incident occurred on July 16 near Chong Bok in Ubon Ratchathani Province. Soldiers from Thailand’s Infantry Company 6021 were patrolling a demarcated route within Thai territory when the explosion occurred. All three personnel were evacuated for emergency medical treatment.

He said that security agencies had completed a preliminary investigation. Evidence confirmed the landmines were not of Thai origin, neither employed or stockpiled by the Thai military. Furthermore, he reiterated that these landmines were also recently laid.

Assessments and related evidence discovered by the responsible security agencies concluded the planting of these mines were “a blatant violation of international law.”