BANGKOK – Thailand will host diplomats from Ottawa Convention member states this Saturday for a firsthand look at the aftermath of recent border clashes with Cambodia. The delegation will visit conflict-affected areas in Si Sa Ket and Ubon Ratchathani provinces, including the heavily contested Phu Makua zone where demining operations continue, The Nation reported.

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Government Spokesman Jirayu Huangsap confirmed the visit will include an inspection of Sao Thong Chai School in Kantharalak district, severely damaged by Cambodian rocket fire during last month’s fighting. Thai officials will brief the envoys on what they describe as Cambodia’s violations of the Ottawa Treaty, which bans anti-personnel mines, and alleged breaches of humanitarian principles.

In a parallel initiative, the Royal Thai Army has arranged a separate three-day tour (August 18-20) in Ubon Ratchathani for the ASEAN Interim Observer Team. These coordinated visits aim to document Thailand’s claims of cross-border mine placements that have injured multiple soldiers and civilians.

The inspections come amid heightened tensions, with Thailand accusing Cambodia of repeatedly laying new mines in previously cleared areas. Saturday’s tour will showcase Thai demining efforts while reinforcing Bangkok’s diplomatic push for international accountability.

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Key Context:

• The 1997 Ottawa Convention, which Thailand ratified but Cambodia did not, prohibits anti-personnel mines

• Recent clashes have left 12 Thai soldiers wounded by explosions, with five requiring amputations

• Thailand seeks to leverage international opinion as border negotiations continue

-Thailand News (TN)