Bangkok takes landmine dispute to Geneva, urges UN fact-finding mission

Thailand has called for the establishment of an independent fact-finding mission under the Anti-Personnel Mine Ban Convention (Ottawa Convention), citing the need for transparency and accountability regarding alleged new landmine use along the Thailand–Cambodia border.

The appeal was made by Thai Foreign Minister Sihasak Phuangketkeow during the 22nd Meeting of the States Parties to the Convention in Geneva.

The foreign minister outlined Thailand’s position on the border situation with Cambodia, reiterating that the country has “consistently committed to fulfilling its obligations” under the treaty.

The meeting was informed that Bangkok has utilized “every bilateral mechanism in good faith” to address the issue.

Moreover, Sihasak stressed that Thailand does not wish to politicize the matter but is compelled to speak out because Thai soldiers have suffered severe and permanent injuries from what Thailand asserts is Cambodia’s use of landmines.

This, he said, constitutes a “blatant breach” of Article 1 of the Convention.

“If a state party can plant new mines and simply deny it without consequence, what will happen after the next casualty?” Sihasak asked, underscoring the need for the Convention’s mechanisms to function effectively.

He argued that the “fairest, most effective and transparent way forward” is for the UN Secretary General to exercise good offices in facilitating an independent fact-finding mission.

This step, he said, would depoliticize the issue and demonstrate that the Convention’s procedures can uphold its integrity when challenged.

Meanwhile, Usana Berananda, Ambassador and Permanent Representative of Thailand to the United Nations in Geneva, exercised Thailand’s right of reply in response to Cambodia’s assertions that Thailand acted unilaterally, lacked credibility and politicized the injuries of seven Thai soldiers.

She rejected the allegations and presented what she described as concrete evidence of Cambodian violations, including video footage showing Cambodian personnel training to plant PMN-2 landmines.

These materials have been submitted to the UN Secretary-General.

She added that Thailand’s proposed fact-finding mission would help establish clarity and transparency for all parties.

“If Cambodia is committed to resolving this issue in good faith, then it should accept this proposal,” she stated.