Thailand Briefs Envoys on Landmines, Urges Cambodian Cooperation
สำนักข่าวไทย Online
อัพเดต 15 สิงหาคม 2568 เวลา 21.48 น. • เผยแพร่ 1 ชั่วโมงที่ผ่านมา • สำนักข่าวไทย อสมทBANGKOK, Aug 15 (TNA) – Thailand’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Friday briefed international envoys on newly planted landmines along the Cambodian border, calling on Cambodia to cooperate on mine clearance.
The ministry revealed that Thai soldiers have been injured five times in the last month by mines that are not “war relics” but were recently placed.
Speaking after the briefing, Nikorndej Balankura, the ministry’s spokesperson, stated that the event’s purpose was to present facts about Cambodia’s alleged violation of the Ottawa Convention, to which both nations are signatories. He urged an end to the “fake news” and disinformation surrounding the issue.
The briefing, attended by 67 people from 41 countries and several international organizations, was opened by Foreign Minister Maris Sangiampongsa via video message.
He stressed that the newly discovered PMN-2 mines violate the Ottawa Convention and show Cambodia’s lack of sincerity in mine-clearing efforts.
Lt. Gen. Natthapong Phrakaew, Director-General of the Department of Military Border Affairs presented evidence of the five incidents between July 16 and August 12, which have resulted in five permanent disabilities and numerous injuries for Thai soldiers.
Thailand has lodged diplomatic protests and will continue to raise the issue at upcoming border committee meetings. The country also plans to take diplomats and journalists to the border area in Si Sa Ket province on Saturday to provide firsthand evidence of the mine damage, hoping to pressure Cambodia to take responsibility.
The ministry’s spokesman concluded by reiterating Thailand’s commitment to resolving border issues peacefully through existing bilateral mechanisms and called on Cambodia to stop spreading disinformation, which hinders efforts to de-escalate tensions. -819 (TNA)