Thailand urges UN to create independent fact-finding mission over landmine issue along border with Cambodia
Cambodia rejects Thailand's claim of laying fresh mines on border
A military vehicle is seen at Phanom Dong Rak Hospital, which was hit by Cambodian artillery during the Thailand-Cambodia border conflict in Surin Province, Thailand on November 3, 2025. During the APEC Summit in Malaysia, the leaders of Thailand and Cambodia signed an enhanced ceasefire deal in the presence of U.S. President Donald Trump, who intervened in July to bring an end to their deadly five-day border conflict.
ISTANBUL
Thailand has urged the creation of an independent fact-finding mission to the UN over the alleged new landmine use along the border with Cambodia, at the 22nd meeting of States Parties to the Anti-Personnel Mine Ban Convention in Geneva.
Thailand has utilized “every bilateral mechanism in good faith” to address the issue of mines with Cambodia, Foreign Minister Sihasak Phuangketkeow said at the convention, which concluded on Friday, according to the public broadcaster Thai PBS.
“If a state party can plant new mines and simply deny it without consequence, what will happen after the next casualty?” he said, urging the UN secretary general to exercise good offices in facilitating an independent fact-finding mission. He said it is the “fairest, most effective and transparent way forward.”
“This step would depoliticize the issue and demonstrate that the Convention’s procedures can uphold its integrity when challenged,” he added.
Cambodia’s delegation, led by Senior Minister Ly Thuc, issued a statement rejecting Thailand’s claims that Cambodia was laying fresh mines along the border.
“Unsubstantiated claims of this nature do not serve peace,” said the statement, urging for a return to the “spirit that built this Convention: Partnership, Dialogue, and a Shared Commitment to protect lives, restore peace, and build a safer world for future generations.”
“Cambodia does not wish to see this respected forum transformed into a tribunal, nor a platform for political confrontation,” it said, adding that it “must remain a place where States Parties work in good faith, with sincerity and mutual respect, to resolve differences through peaceful and constructive dialogue.”
Tensions between the two neighbors escalated last month following Thailand’s suspension of a peace pact between the two sides after four Thai soldiers were wounded in a landmine explosion in the border province of Si Sa Ket.
The two countries had signed a peace agreement in the presence of US President Donald Trump and Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim in Kuala Lumpur in October.
Cambodia and Thailand agreed to an unconditional ceasefire July 28 at a trilateral meeting hosted by Anwar following weeks of hostilities.
Anadolu Agency website contains only a portion of the news stories offered to subscribers in the AA News Broadcasting System (HAS), and in summarized form. Please contact us for subscription options.
