Thailand Seeks International Support on Border Security Amid Cambodian Mine Threat

Thailand’s Deputy Permanent Secretary for Foreign Affairs engaged in critical diplomatic discussions regarding escalating border tensions with Cambodia, highlighting ongoing security concerns and seeking international intervention for demining operations.

High-Level Diplomatic Engagement

Mrs. Sirilak Niyom, Deputy Permanent Secretary for Foreign Affairs, welcomed Mr. Suzuki Hideo, Ambassador for Mekong Cooperation from Japan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, on August 28, 2025, for crucial discussions on the deteriorating Thai-Cambodian border situation.

During the meeting, the Deputy Permanent Secretary provided comprehensive briefings on current developments and emphasized Thailand’s unwavering commitment to the ceasefire agreement while pursuing peaceful resolution through established bilateral mechanisms.

Critical Security Concerns

Thailand stressed ongoing security threats to Ambassador Suzuki, particularly highlighting that illegally planted landmines by Cambodian forces continue to pose severe dangers. At least 6 Thai army personnel have sustained severe injuries and permanent disabilities due to these landmine incidents, underscoring the urgent humanitarian crisis.

Japan’s Strategic Role in Demining Efforts

Given Japan’s prominent position in international demining initiatives and its current presidency of the 22nd Meeting of States Parties to the Anti-Personnel Mine Ban Convention, Thailand formally requested Japanese support in pressuring Cambodia to cooperate in comprehensive demining operations along border areas. Japan expressed full support for this initiative.

European Union Field Assessment

August 27, 2025

Representatives from the Delegation of the European Union to Thailand conducted a comprehensive field visit in Surin Province to assess infrastructure damage from Cambodian artillery attacks.

Site Inspection

The delegation inspected hospital and community infrastructure that sustained severe damage from indiscriminate artillery attacks by Cambodian forces, receiving briefings from local officials and humanitarian units.

Key Findings from EU Delegation Visit

Briefings by Deputy Governor of Surin Province on civilian impact assessment
Hospital damage evaluation at Phanom Dong Rak Chalerm Phra Kiat 80th Anniversary Hospital
Third Humanitarian Mine Action Unit reports on new landmine deployments
Documentation of international humanitarian law violations
Evidence gathering of Ottawa Convention breaches by Cambodia

International Humanitarian Law Violations

The EU delegation was briefed extensively about Cambodia’s deployment of new landmines, representing clear violations of international humanitarian law and direct breaches of obligations under the Ottawa Convention on anti-personnel mines.

€700,000

Emergency Humanitarian Aid
Following the European Union’s announcement on August 19, 2025, providing emergency humanitarian assistance to civilians affected along the Thai-Cambodian border.

Ongoing Humanitarian Crisis

The field visit provided the EU delegation with first-hand evidence of the conflict’s impact on civilian populations. Representatives met directly with affected residents to discuss immediate support needs and long-term assistance strategies.

The delegation’s comprehensive assessment will inform future European Union humanitarian interventions and diplomatic pressure on Cambodia to cease hostilities and comply with international agreements.

Thailand continues to pursue diplomatic channels while maintaining defensive positions along the border. The international community’s involvement through Japan’s demining expertise and EU humanitarian aid represents crucial support for peaceful conflict resolution and civilian protection.