Bangkok – Thailand’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) has issued a formal protest to Cambodia following the discovery of anti-personnel mines near their shared border, denouncing the act as a breach of sovereignty and international law. The strongly worded rebuke cites violations of the 1997 Ottawa Treaty, which both nations ratified, banning the use of such weapons.

Thai Soldiers Wounded in Suspected Cambodian Landmine Blast Near Border in Ubon Ratchathani

Deputy Spokesperson Maratee Nalita Andamo confirmed that diplomatic channels are being activated, with protest documents en route to Phnom Penh and briefings scheduled for foreign envoys in Bangkok. The escalation comes after Thai soldiers were injured last week by PMN-2 mines—a Russian-made variant—in Ubon Ratchathani province, with evidence suggesting recent emplacement despite prior demining agreements.

Concurrently, Thailand’s Foreign Minister is leveraging the UN platform in New York to rally international support. In meetings with global counterparts, the minister will emphasize Thailand’s preference for peaceful resolution through bilateral mechanisms while demanding Cambodian cooperation in joint demining operations.

RTA has discovered two additional landmines in Chong Bok area, near the site of the original incident. This discovery is a clear violation of the Ottawa Convention. The Directorate of Intelligence will invite the Military Attaché Corps to Thailand for a briefing on the facts. pic.twitter.com/lCFLqshz0y

— Royal Thai Army (English Version) (@armyspoke_news) July 21, 2025

The incident has reignited tensions along the disputed border zone, where territorial conflicts have flared periodically for decades. Analysts note the timing is delicate, as both nations navigate ASEAN economic integration while managing historical grievances.

Facebook User Arrested for Sparking Panic with False Border News in Ubon Ratchathani

Human rights groups have long criticized Cambodia as one of the world’s most heavily mined countries, with leftover ordnance causing thousands of civilian casualties since the 1980s. Thailand’s protest signals a hardening stance against perceived threats to border security and a test of regional conflict-resolution frameworks.

-Thailand News (TN)