Latest news with #OttawaConvention
The Star
4 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
5 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
6 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
Asia News Network
6 days ago
- Politics
- Asia News Network
Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet warns Thailand: Do not cross ‘red line'
PHNOM PENH – As Thailand continues to take unilateral action in disputed border areas, such as road construction in the Mom Bei area and accusations related to mine explosions, Prime Minister Hun Manet has warned Thailand that they must not cross the 'red line', reiterating that Cambodia will not allow any violation of its territory. After a brief period of calm, Manet took to social media this morning, July 22, stating that recently, Thai political and military leaders, as well as media outlets, have levelled baseless accusations against Cambodia. These include claims of interference in Thailand's internal politics and the planting of landmines. Thailand has also threatened unilateral action in disputed areas, such as Mom Bei and Ta Mone Thom Temple. Manet emphasised that in areas under dispute or where sovereignty has not been clearly determined, no party has the right to take unilateral actions or measures. All actions must be mutually agreed upon by both sides beforehand. 'The red line remains the red line, unchanged. Do not violate it. Cambodia does not infringe on anyone, but Cambodia will not allow anyone to infringe upon it. Cambodia has sufficient capability and is fully prepared to defend itself and its territorial integrity, by all means, against any violations,' he said. He added that Thailand's approach of 'spitting blood on others' is neither ethical nor honest, referring to a Khmer saying which mean blaming others for the repercussions of one's own actions. He said such methods should not be used if both countries genuinely aim to build mutual trust. 'Cambodia remains committed to seeking a solution to this issue through non-violent means, as quickly as possible, with clarity and sustainability,' he continued. The nation is prepared to take additional measures to protect national interests, following its responses to Thailand's accusations and continuous defence of Cambodia's legitimacy, he added. Recently, Thailand accused Cambodia of secretly planting landmines in the disputed areas, which caused an explosion that injured three Thai soldiers on patrol. Thai senior officials stated they would lodge a protest with Cambodia and the chair of the Ottawa Convention Committee and raise the issue at the UN this week. Simultaneously, Thailand conducted mine-clearing operations in the Mom Bei area and constructed a concrete road there, sparking more anger within the Cambodian public. Cambodia has rejected Thailand's accusations regarding the laying of new landmines, clarifying that they are remnants from the war era. Cambodia also reiterated its commitment to the Ottawa Convention's principles against the use of anti-personnel mines. The Kingdom has cleared and destroyed over 1.2 million mines to date. Although Thailand claims it will report the mine explosion incident to the UN, it refuses to accept the jurisdiction of the International Court of Justice (ICJ), a UN institution, which has previously ruled in Cambodia's favour regarding disputed territory.
Bangkok Post
7 days ago
- Politics
- Bangkok Post
Visa help for labour 'in limbo'
The cabinet on Tuesday approved a six-month extension for Cambodian migrant workers employed in border provinces. The move comes in response to recent changes in border checkpoint operating hours across seven provinces, which have hindered the movement of workers in the area. Government spokesman Jirayu Houngsub said that due to ongoing unrest along the Thai-Cambodian border and the implementation of stricter border control measures, a significant number of Cambodian workers have been unable to re-enter Thailand. These workers, who are employed in provinces along the border under the provisions of Section 64 of the executive decree on the management of foreign workers, typically use border passes for entry and exit. As a result of the new travel restrictions, many of these workers -- whose permitted periods of stay have expired -- are unable to leave Thailand to renew their legal status. Consequently, they have overstayed and are now considered to be residing in the country unlawfully. As of June, a total of 47,348 Cambodian migrant workers fell into this category, with many facing the expiration of their work permits. These permits are expected to gradually expire through to the end of September, Mr Jirayu said. He said the cabinet on Tuesday approved a proposal from the Labour Ministry to grant a special exemption allowing the targeted group of foreign nationals to remain in the kingdom for employment in border areas for a period of six months. This grace period is effective from June 7, the date on which the Interior Ministry's border control measures came into force. The decision was made in light of the fact that this date marked the commencement of tighter border restrictions. The exemption will remain in effect either for the full six-month period or until normal border crossings at permanent checkpoints between the two countries have resumed for at least a month continuously. Furthermore, the cabinet approved a waiver of overstay fines for affected migrant workers whose period of stay in the kingdom has already exceeded the legal limit due to circumstances beyond their control. The Royal Thai Army on Tuesday held a briefing for defence attachés from 47 embassies to clarify the current situation following an incident in which three Thai soldiers from the 6th Infantry Regiment were injured by a landmine. Thai authorities later claimed that the explosion caused by an anti-personnel mine recently planted in Thai territory constitutes a breach of the Ottawa Convention, which both Thailand and Cambodia have ratified. Meanwhile, the Second Army Region has issued a stern warning that the Prasat Ta Muean Thom temple in Surin's Phanom Dong Rak district could be closed for seven days if Cambodia fails to prevent further disruptive actions. Commander Lt Gen Boonsin Padklang said that while Thailand remains committed to peaceful solutions, it will not tolerate provocation of any kind. The warning follows reports that 23 Cambodian tour buses had arrived at the disputed site, raising fears of unrest.
