Thailand Reports Cambodia’s Landmine Violations to UN Geneva Meeting

Foreign Minister details systematic campaign of newly-planted mines targeting Thai forces along border, calls for international intervention

📍 Geneva, Switzerland | August 27, 2025

📄 Official Report #1 📄 Military Statement

Breaking: Sixth Thai Soldier Injured in Latest Mine Attack

Thailand’s Foreign Minister presents evidence of Cambodia’s systematic violations of the Anti-Personnel Mine Ban Convention to international stakeholders at UN Headquarters in Geneva

GENEVA, SWITZERLAND – On August 27, 2025, Foreign Affairs Minister Maris Sangiampongsa met with key state parties and stakeholders of the Anti-Personnel Mine Ban Convention, also known as the Ottawa Convention, at the United Nations Headquarters in Geneva, where he presented evidence of Cambodia’s systematic violations of the treaty through newly-planted landmines targeting Thai forces.

The Thai Foreign Affairs Minister underscored that Thailand is a peace-loving country committed to its obligations under the Convention, particularly in demining and supporting mine victims. He briefed the meeting on recent acts of aggression by Cambodia, detailing the discovery of newly laid landmines on Thai territory, which have disabled numerous Thai soldiers, as well as cross-border attacks that have killed and injured many civilians.

Current Casualty Statistics

Thai soldiers disabled by mines

99%

Thai mine-contaminated areas cleared

Multiple

Civilian casualties from rocket attacks

Timeline of Recent Violations

July 16, 2025

Thai soldier loses leg to newly planted PMN-2 landmine in Ubon Ratchathani province – marking the beginning of the current crisis

July 24, 2025

Cambodian cross-border attacks into Surin province using BM-21 multiple rocket launchers, striking civilian targets including hospitals and schools, killing innocent civilians and children

July 28, 2025

Ceasefire agreement reached between Thailand and Cambodia

August 9, 2025

Post-ceasefire landmine incident – Cambodia continues violations despite agreement

August 12, 2025

Additional landmine incident reported along Thai-Cambodian border

August 27, 2025

Latest incident – Thai soldier injured by PMN-2 landmine near Prasat Ta Kwai and Hill 350, bringing total disabled soldiers to six

Minister Maris stressed that while Thailand has successfully cleared over 99% of its mine-contaminated areas in compliance with the Ottawa Convention, it must now confront new threats along its border with Cambodia. He affirmed that Thailand’s response was strictly for necessary and proportionate self-defense, aimed at military targets in full compliance with international law.

Thailand is pursuing the matter under the framework of the Ottawa Convention and has called on the international community to help bring Cambodia back into full compliance. Thailand will continue to seek solutions through existing bilateral mechanisms concurrently.

— Foreign Affairs Minister Maris Sangiampongsa

Military Assessment

Army Spokesperson Major General Winthai Suvaree stated that the latest landmine explosion, which injured a Thai soldier on Thursday afternoon, is viewed as part of a systematic plan by Cambodia to threaten and harm Thai forces. He described the act as an obstacle to de-escalating Thai-Cambodian border tensions.

The spokesperson emphasized that the mine was planted in an area already cleared and controlled by Thai forces, demonstrating clear intent. He noted that the pattern of placement indicates the mines are new and not remnants of past conflicts, making this a deliberate act of aggression.

International Legal Framework

The Foreign Minister informed the delegation that Thailand has formally requested clarification from Cambodia under Article 8 of the Convention and has called on the international community to urge Cambodia to comply with its obligations. This represents a significant escalation in the diplomatic response to Cambodia’s alleged violations.

Ottawa Convention Key Points

The Anti-Personnel Mine Ban Convention prohibits the use, stockpiling, production and transfer of anti-personnel mines. It also obligates state parties to destroy existing stockpiles and clear mined areas. Cambodia’s actions represent serious violations of these international commitments.

Positive Diplomatic Developments

Despite the ongoing violations, Minister Maris noted a positive development from a recent bilateral meeting where Cambodia agreed in principle to cooperate on demining efforts. However, the continued placement of new mines calls into question Cambodia’s commitment to these agreements.

Thailand’s International Commitments

Concluding his remarks, Minister Maris announced that Thailand will join the United Nations Secretary-General’s Global Advocacy Campaign on Humanitarian Disarmament and Mine Action, reinforcing its commitment to achieving a mine-free world.

Formal request for clarification under Article 8 of the Ottawa Convention
Call for international community intervention to ensure Cambodia’s compliance
Continued pursuit of bilateral diplomatic solutions
Joining UN Secretary-General’s Global Advocacy Campaign
Maintaining commitment to humanitarian disarmament principles

Regional Security Implications

The systematic nature of Cambodia’s violations represents not only a breach of international law but also a significant threat to regional stability. The targeting of civilian infrastructure, including hospitals and schools, during the July 24 attacks constitutes potential war crimes under international humanitarian law.

Thailand’s decision to bring this matter before international stakeholders at the UN Headquarters demonstrates its commitment to multilateral solutions and the rule of law, even as it faces continued aggression along its border.