Thailand to protest to UN over Cambodia’s violation of Ottawa Convention

Acting Prime Minister Phumtham Wechayachai said today that Thailand will formally submit a protest to the United Nations against Cambodia, over the latest landmine explosion on Thai territory on Tuesday, in which one Thai soldier had one of his legs blown off.

When asked to comment on the Thai Army’s warning to Cambodia, that Thai armed forces will retaliate against Cambodian forces in defence of their troops, he said only that the Thai Army has the right to defend their troops, but that everything must follow procedure, which is to take the case to the United Nations.

He also refuted criticism of him, in print and on social media that he tends to side with Cambodia, as unfounded and threatened litigation over the claims.

Meanwhile, Thailand’s foreign minister, Maris Sangiampongsa, said today that he called his Japanese counterpart yesterday, who is also chair of the council of the signatories to the Ottawa Convention, demanding that the council investigate Cambodia for alleged violations of the convention and the ceasefire agreement between Thailand and Cambodia.

Regarding Cambodia’s latest complaints to the United Nations Security Council and the US Secretary of State, accusing Thailand of violating Cambodian sovereignty and the ceasefire agreement, Maris claimed that the Cambodian complaints are unsubstantiated.