Latest news with #OttawaConvention
Bangkok Post
a day ago
- Politics
- Bangkok Post
Protests lodged as ceasefire pact broken
Thailand lodged diplomatic protests against Cambodia on Tuesday for violating their ceasefire agreement, Foreign Affairs Minister Maris Sangiampongsa said. He said the protests were submitted to the prime minister of Malaysia, in his capacity as Asean chair, and to the United States and China, which are serving as observers in the Thai-Cambodian border dispute. The move followed reports that Cambodian forces continued firing along the border despite the ceasefire agreement reached on July 28. The agreement was intended to halt all hostilities as of midnight on July 29. While declining to disclose the contents of the letters, Mr Maris said the Thai government had lodged protests against Cambodia under available frameworks, including its use of anti-personnel landmines banned under the Ottawa Convention. He said Thailand also addressed the United Nations Security Council and affirmed that it exercised its legitimate right to respond to violations of its sovereignty with restraint and within the bounds of international law. Cambodia broke truce: RTA The Royal Thai Army (RTA) on Tuesday accused and condemned Cambodia of intentionally breaking the ceasefire agreement, which took effect at midnight, by firing shots at many Thai locations afterwards. The RTA said in a statement that Cambodia, after midnight, opened fire at Thai locations in the Chong Arn Ma, Chong Bok, Prasat Ta Kwai, Phu Makheu and Sam Tae areas. "That shows an intention to violate the (ceasefire) agreement and ruin a mutual trust system. The army condemns the act," said RTA spokesman Maj Gen Winthai Suvaree. Thailand took retaliatory measures in accordance with its right to self-defence, he said. He said Thailand did not invade anywhere. It was blocking incursions and protecting its sovereignty in compliance with international rules. Thailand complied with the ceasefire agreement as it stopped firing immediately at midnight, Maj Gen Winthai said. Col Richa Suksuwanon, deputy army spokesperson, said the RTA received reports from the Suranaree Task Force of renewed hostilities during the early hours of July 29. According to these reports, shortly after the ceasefire was supposed to take effect, Cambodian troops launched provocations in the Phu Makheu area of Si Sa Ket, prompting retaliatory fire from Thai troops. The exchange of gunfire continued into the morning. A similar confrontation occurred in the Sam Tae area of Kantharalak district, also in Si Sa Ket, where gunfire reportedly lasted until 5.30am, said Col Richa, adding Cambodian forces also fired explosives throughout the night. In Surin province, the 2nd Army Region reported explosions near the Ta Kwai temple ruins in Phanom Dong Rak district at 3am and again at 5am. Video footage taken by military personnel at 6.29am on Tuesday appeared to capture ongoing gunfire in the background, further corroborating the reported clashes. 11 key sites secured: TCBSAC RAdm Surasan Kongsiri, spokesman for the Thai-Cambodian Border Situation Administration Centre (TCBSAC), said Thai forces had secured 11 key locations along the Thai-Cambodian border as of Tuesday morning. They were Phu Makheu, Chong Arn Ma, Ta Muean Thom, Prasat Ta Kwai, Chong Bok, Don Tuan, Sattasom, Chong Chom, Chong Sai Ta Ku in Ban Kruat district of Buri Ram, Preah Vihear and Phran Yao. He said the conflict resulted in the displacement of over 188,000 civilians, 15 civilian deaths, 12 critically injured, 13 moderately injured and 13 with minor injuries. RAdm Surasan said the TCBSAC also condemned Cambodia for using ancient ruins as shields, and the act was a violation of Unesco guidelines. The 2nd Army Region Tuesday detained 18 surrendering Cambodian soldiers following the clash in the Samtae area of Kantharalak district in Si Sa Ket and upheld humanitarian principles for the care and medical treatment of wounded personnel. Maj Gen Winthai said the incident occurred after Cambodia employed heavy and other weapons, firing into Thai territory. The Thai side deployed the Cavalry Battalion Task Force to conduct counter-operations and clear Cambodian positions. Containing damage: Phumtham Acting Prime Minister Phumtham Wechayachai blamed the breach of the ceasefire agreement on poor communication or a lack of discipline from the Cambodian side. He said the unconditional ceasefire was agreed to allow for the conflict resolution process to continue, and discussions will be conducted under the bilateral mechanisms of the Regional Border Committee (RBC) and the General Border Committee (GBC). Mr Phumtham said the army's proposal at the July 28 meeting was accepted in principle.
Bangkok Post
a day ago
- Politics
- Bangkok Post
Protests lodged as pact broken
Thailand lodged diplomatic protests against Cambodia yesterday for violating their ceasefire agreement, Foreign Affairs Minister Maris Sangiampongsa said. He said the protests were submitted to the prime minister of Malaysia, in his capacity as Asean chair, and to the United States and China, which are serving as observers in the Thai-Cambodian border dispute. The move followed reports that Cambodian forces continued firing along the border despite the ceasefire agreement reached on July 28. The agreement was intended to halt all hostilities as of midnight on July 29. While declining to disclose the contents of the letters, Mr Maris said the Thai government had lodged protests against Cambodia under available frameworks, including its use of anti-personnel landmines banned under the Ottawa Convention. He said Thailand also addressed the United Nations Security Council and affirmed that it exercised its legitimate right to respond to violations of its sovereignty with restraint and within the bounds of international law. Cambodia broke truce: RTA The Royal Thai Army (RTA) on Tuesday accused and condemned Cambodia of intentionally breaking the ceasefire agreement, which took effect at midnight, by firing shots at many Thai locations afterwards. The RTA said in a statement that Cambodia, after midnight, opened fire at Thai locations in the Chong Arn Ma, Chong Bok, Prasat Ta Kwai, Phu Makheu and Sam Tae areas. "That shows an intention to violate the (ceasefire) agreement and ruin a mutual trust system. The army condemns the act," said RTA spokesman Maj Gen Winthai Suvaree. Thailand took retaliatory measures in accordance with its right to self-defence, he said. He said Thailand did not invade anywhere. It was blocking incursions and protecting its sovereignty in compliance with international rules. Thailand complied with the ceasefire agreement as it stopped firing immediately at midnight, Maj Gen Winthai said. Col Richa Suksuwanon, deputy army spokesperson, said the RTA received reports from the Suranaree Task Force of renewed hostilities during the early hours of July 29. According to these reports, shortly after the ceasefire was supposed to take effect, Cambodian troops launched provocations in the Phu Makheu area of Si Sa Ket, prompting retaliatory fire from Thai troops. The exchange of gunfire continued into the morning. A similar confrontation occurred in the Sam Tae area of Kantharalak district, also in Si Sa Ket, where gunfire reportedly lasted until 5.30am, said Col Richa, adding Cambodian forces also fired explosives throughout the night. In Surin province, the 2nd Army Region reported explosions near the Ta Kwai temple ruins in Phanom Dong Rak district at 3am and again at 5am. Video footage taken by military personnel at 6.29am on Tuesday appeared to capture ongoing gunfire in the background, further corroborating the reported clashes. 11 key sites secured: TCBSAC RAdm Surasan Kongsiri, spokesman for the Thai-Cambodian Border Situation Administration Centre (TCBSAC), said Thai forces had secured 11 key locations along the Thai-Cambodian border as of Tuesday morning. They were Phu Makheu, Chong Arn Ma, Ta Muean Thom, Prasat Ta Kwai, Chong Bok, Don Tuan, Sattasom, Chong Chom, Chong Sai Ta Ku in Ban Kruat district of Buri Ram, Preah Vihear and Phran Yao. He said the conflict resulted in the displacement of over 188,000 civilians, 15 civilian deaths, 12 critically injured, 13 moderately injured and 13 with minor injuries. RAdm Surasan said the TCBSAC also condemned Cambodia for using ancient ruins as shields, and the act was a violation of Unesco guidelines. The 2nd Army Region Tuesday detained 18 surrendering Cambodian soldiers following the clash in the Samtae area of Kantharalak district in Si Sa Ket and upheld humanitarian principles for the care and medical treatment of wounded personnel. Maj Gen Winthai said the incident occurred after Cambodia employed heavy and other weapons, firing into Thai territory. The Thai side deployed the Cavalry Battalion Task Force to conduct counter-operations and clear Cambodian positions. Containing damage: Phumtham Acting Prime Minister Phumtham Wechayachai blamed the breach of the ceasefire agreement on poor communication or a lack of discipline from the Cambodian side. He said the unconditional ceasefire was agreed to allow for the conflict resolution process to continue, and discussions will be conducted under the bilateral mechanisms of the Regional Border Committee (RBC) and the General Border Committee (GBC).
The Star
6 days ago
- Politics
- The Star
Thailand condemns Cambodia in letter to UN, asserting sovereignty violation
BANGKOK: Thailand has officially submitted a letter to the United Nations (UN) exposing acts of aggression by Cambodia, including the planting of new PMN-2 landmines, attacks on military bases, and assaults on civilians in four border provinces. The letter emphasises that these acts constitute a violation of international law while affirming Thailand's commitment to resolving the conflict peacefully. 1. Use of New PMN-2 Landmines Inside Thai Territory On July 16 and 23, 2025, while patrolling within Thai territory along the border, Thai soldiers encountered newly planted PMN-2 anti-personnel landmines, resulting in two soldiers being severely injured and several others wounded. Evidence indicates that the mines were recently placed, despite Thailand having destroyed all of its landmine stockpiles in 2003 and reporting this transparently to the UN. In contrast, Cambodia was reported as still possessing PMN-2 mines as of late 2024, leading Thailand to conclude that Cambodia is violating its obligations under the Ottawa Convention (Mine Ban Treaty). 2. Armed Attack by Cambodian Forces on Thai Territory At 8.20am on July 24, 2025, Cambodian troops opened fire on a Thai military base at Ta Muen Thom in Surin Province, killing two Thai soldiers instantly. Cambodia then expanded the operation indiscriminately into civilian areas in four Thai border provinces: Buriram, Surin, Sisaket, and Ubon Ratchathani, resulting in: A total of 11 civilian deaths 24 injured (eight seriously) Heavy damage to civilian infrastructure including hospitals, schools, and public buildings Over 102,000 people forced to evacuate their homes 3. Violation of the UN Charter Thailand reaffirms that Cambodia's use of force is a clear violation of Article 2(4) of the UN Charter, which prohibits the threat or use of force against another state. It is also contrary to the principle of peaceful coexistence between neighbouring countries. Thailand has exercised maximum restraint, and its military response is a legitimate act of self-defence under Article 51 of the UN Charter, carried out in a limited and targeted manner to counter the immediate threat posed by Cambodian forces. 4. Indiscriminate Attacks on Civilians and Protected Sites Thailand strongly condemns Cambodia's inhumane actions, including attacks on civilians, hospitals, and public facilities. These acts are considered serious violations of the 1949 Geneva Conventions, particularly: Article 18, which protects medical facilities Article 19, which protects the wounded and sick These attacks have caused immense suffering to innocent civilians. 5. Commitment to Peaceful Conflict Resolution Thailand reiterates its firm commitment to peaceful dispute resolution, clearly rejecting the use of force in resolving international conflicts. Thailand urges Cambodia to immediately cease its hostile actions and return to sincere negotiations. Thailand also expresses its readiness to engage in existing bilateral negotiation mechanisms, such as the Joint Boundary Commission (JBC), which is scheduled to meet in early September 2025, to resolve remaining territorial disputes. - The Nation/ANN
SBS Australia
6 days ago
- Politics
- SBS Australia
Armed conflict erupts along Thailand/Cambodia border
An early morning clash along a disputed border area between Thailand and Cambodia has erupted into rare armed conflict. What started as small arms fire quickly escalated to heavy shelling in at least six locations, with at least fourteen people, mostly civilians, killed already. Both sides are blaming each other for the provocation, which comes as just the latest clash in a dispute that dates back over a century. The latest escalation of fighting came after a Thai soldier reportedly lost a limb, and another four were wounded in a landmine explosion, which Thai authorities say were laid by Cambodian forces. Hours after Thailand responded by expelling the Cambodian ambassador and recalling its own, violence broke out at the border. While Thailand says the landmine explosion was a result of Cambodia's aggression, Cambodia says Thai forces were on Cambodian territory. Thailand's Deputy Spokesperson for Foreign Affairs, Ms Maratee Nalita Andamo, says Thailand condemns what they claim was Cambodia's violation of Thai sovereignty. "Following, unfortunately, yet another landmine incident which occurred yesterday evening, 23rd of July 2025, where a further five Royal Thai Army personnel stepped on another landmine in Chong An Ma area, Ubon Ratchathani province, again, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs condemns in the strongest terms this act as an egregious violation of Thailand's sovereignty, territorial integrity and the Ottawa Convention." With ground troops and tanks deployed along the border, thousands of people have evacuated from the area. Sitting in a tent beside her elderly mother, 53-year-old Ngerntra Pranoram is taking shelter in the Surin province, along the border of Thailand. She says she was taking care of her mother when they started hearing gun shots, then explosions. "We were shocked too. Nobody wants this to happen. I feel for the elderly and the disabled. It's very difficult for them to get here. It's a real struggle. Some people have cars, which is good, but for those who don't, it's really hard. We feel for them, we sympathise, but we don't know how to help. We also have elderly people with us, so we try to help as much as we can." On the other side, in the dark of night, a stream of Cambodian villagers and their families fled atop tractors, loaded up with their belongings The displaced villagers set up a tent camp about 30 kilometres from the border. Tep Savouen, a 45-year-old mother of four, says she and her children were forced to flee. 'It was about 8 o'clock this morning. Suddenly, I heard a loud noise. My son told me it might be thunder and I thought, 'is it thunder or is it loud, more like a gun?' At that time I was very scared.' Fighting broke out in an area known as the Emerald Triangle. On Thursday, Cambodian forces fired rockets and artillery shells into Thailand as Thai forces scrambled F-16 jets to carry out air strikes on six locations. Cambodian government spokesperson Pen Bona says Thailand is trying to claim Cambodian land. 'In conclusion, everything that happened today is caused by Thailand. Please remember, brothers and sisters and the international community, that Thailand open fired on us because they want our land.' Both Thailand and Cambodia claim ownership of Prasat Preah Vihear and Prasat Ta Muen Thom, ancient temples built on the mountains that divide them. In 1907, the French colony of Cambodia and the independent Kingdom of Siam, as Thailand was known until 1939, signed a treaty delineating the border between them. However, the treaty map differed from the treaty text and left Preah Vihear on the French side. In 1962, the International Court of Justice ruled that, as per the agreement, the temple belongs to Cambodia. Cambodia requested I-C-J intervention in the matter just last month, Pen Bona says it is now clear why they did. "Thailand's attacks are aimed at taking Cambodia land which is another reason that I think the international community as well as the International Court of Justice (ICJ) can clearly see the purpose of the royal government of Cambodia in bringing this case to the court to solve, so surely Cambodia will come out ahead in this case." Tensions have been simmering since May, when a Cambodian soldier was killed in a border skirmish. Relations deteriorated dramatically last month when Cambodia's President Hun Sen humiliated the Thai leader by leaking a phone call between them discussing the border tensions. In the phone call, Thai Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra called the Cambodian leader 'uncle', and even criticised her own military commanders. Sparking public anger, Prime Minister Shinawatra has since been suspended from office pending an ethics probe. Thailand's acting Prime Minister, Phumtham Wechayachai, says they are seeking a resolution. "Right now, this is not about declaring war. This is about a clash, and we are still seeking a resolution. The important thing is that we stand firm in defending our national sovereignty, protecting ourselves from aggression, and ensuring our people do not suffer." Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet is requesting an urgent meeting of the UN Security Council to address what his foreign ministry labels "unprovoked military aggression". Both the European Union and China, a close ally of Phnom Penh, say they are "deeply concerned" about the clashes and calling for peaceful dialogue. The United States and France, Cambodia's former colonial ruler, also made separate calls for an immediate halt to fighting and for talks to begin. U-S State Department Principal Deputy Press Secretary Tommy Pigott says the US is deeply concerned. 'We are also gravely concerned by the escalating violence along the Thailand-Cambodia border. And deeply saddened by reports of harm to civilians. The United States urges an immediate cessation of hostilities, protection of civilians and a peaceful resolution of the conflict.'
The Star
7 days ago
- Politics
- The Star
Thailand closes border with Cambodia in response to landmine incidents
BANGKOK: On July 23, Lt Gen Boonsin Padklang (pic), Commander of the 2nd Army Region, signed an order to close border crossings between Thailand and Cambodia and suspend all tourism activities in the areas under 2nd Army Region's responsibility, following recent landmine attacks in the Thai-Cambodian border region. The Commander referred to the 2nd Army Region's order dated June 23, 2025, aiming to enhance border control in Surin, Sisaket, and Buriram provinces. Following the order's enactment, a series of landmine incidents took place near the border in Chong Bok and Chong An Ma areas of Ubon Ratchathani Province. These attacks, believed to have been carried out by Cambodian forces, have resulted in serious injuries to Thai soldiers and are considered violations of Thailand's sovereignty under the Ottawa Convention. The use of landmines in this manner is deemed a severe threat to peace and stability along the border between the two nations. As a result, the 2nd Army has implemented the following measures to ensure security: 1. Suspension of all vehicle traffic across the border. 2. Suspension of all movement of people, including local and foreign tourists, and a halt to all types of trade. 3. A ban on visits to Ta Muen and Ta Kwai temples for tourists while security systems are being upgraded. These measures aim to protect Thailand's sovereignty and territorial integrity, safeguard the lives and property of Thai citizens, and prevent further incidents of this nature. They also serve as a statement of disapproval of the use of landmines, which violate sovereignty and the Ottawa Convention. The closure will be enforced starting July 24, 2025. - The Nation/ANN
