INTERNATIONAL – Thai Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul has urged ASEAN observers to witness a major demining effort along the Thailand–Cambodia border, a move aimed at calming rising tensions. He wants representatives from the regional bloc to monitor the process to prevent further accusations and avoid escalation in cross-border conflict.
Anutin ordered the Defence Ministry to accelerate the mine-clearing operation following a series of incidents. At least five areas have already been cleared, and officials plan to expand the effort to eight more zones. He emphasized to stakeholders that the presence of ASEAN observers could lend transparency, helping to counter claims made by Cambodia and reducing the risk of renewed hostilities.
Tensions flared earlier in November, when four Thai soldiers were injured after stepping on landmines during a border patrol. In response, Thailand suspended a peace agreement with Cambodia. The Thai military also reported discovering additional mines near the blast sites.
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According to Thailand’s government spokesperson Siripong Angkasakulkiat, involving ASEAN in the demining effort not only adds legitimacy but also underscores Thailand’s commitment to peaceful resolution. Observers from the bloc would help ensure that the process remains neutral, preventing either side from making unverified claims.
Thailand further plans to submit what it says is video, photo, and audio evidence to international bodies to support its allegations that Cambodia has continued laying mines, violating both a ceasefire agreement and international humanitarian law. Officials assert that the mines detected are “new” and not merely leftover from past conflicts.
Indeed, the Thai Foreign Ministry has publicly accused Cambodia of planting mines near the border, citing multiple violations of the Ottawa Convention, which prohibits anti-personnel mine use. Talks are ongoing as both countries attempt to manage the fallout: Thailand insists on independent supervision, while Cambodia has expressed willingness to cooperate on joint demining programs.
This initiative by Thailand comes at a tense time. In recent weeks, military patrols have been disrupted, diplomatic relations strained, and peace agreements suspended. Anutin’s request for ASEAN involvement illustrates Bangkok’s strategy to internationalize the issue and bolster credibility for its actions. By calling in regional partners, Thailand appears determined to demonstrate its commitment to peace while reducing the risk of renewed conflict along the disputed border.
