Bangkok shows UN chief proof of Cambodia’s mine ban breaches

In a move to substantiate its claim that Cambodia continues to use anti-personnel landmines, despite a global ban, Thailand presented evidence on the matter to UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres during a meeting yesterday in New York.

Cherdchai Chaivaivid, Thai Ambassador and Permanent Representative to the UN, met with Guterres at the UN headquarters to discuss the situation along the Thai-Cambodian border.

The meeting focused on Thailand’s formal request for clarification under Article 8(2) of the Anti-Personnel Mine Ban Convention (APMBC), also known as the Ottawa Convention, according to a statement from the Thai Foreign Ministry.

The ambassador presented empirical evidence and supporting documents to the UN chief. In addition, video footage was shown of Cambodian soldiers handling PMN-2 type landmines, demonstrating how to arm and deploy them, as well as laying them on Thai territory.

Cherdchai voiced Thailand’s grave humanitarian concern over landmine incidents on Thai territory, particularly the most recent case on August 27, which brought the number of Thai soldiers suffering permanent disabilities due to their use to six.

Thailand expressed appreciation for ASEAN-led facilitation efforts and restated its full commitment to the ceasefire agreement. Cherdchai also outlined ongoing challenges, including provocations and disinformation campaigns that undermine stability.

Nonetheless, Thailand also highlighted the positive outcome of the latest Regional Border Committee (RBC) meeting, held a day earlier, which produced an 11-point joint framework for military de-escalation and communication, demonstrating Thailand’s commitment to bilateral dialogue.

Guterres offered his assurance that the matter will be duly addressed and that the United Nations Mine Action Service (UNMAS) stands ready to support demining operations. He commended Thailand’s continued pursuit of peaceful solutions, through both bilateral and multilateral channels, and encouraged both sides to continue engaging in constructive dialogue.

The Thai ambassador also informed Guterres that, on August 26, Thailand’s Cabinet approved measures allowing displaced persons from Myanmar, living in camps along the border, to work legally in the country.

The UN chief welcomed the decision, calling it proof of Thailand’s commitment to humanitarian principles.

“Thailand remains firmly committed to resolving all issues peacefully, through diplomatic means and in accordance with international law, for the lasting peace and prosperity of the region,” Cherdchai said.