On 4 December 2025, H.E. Mr. Cherdchai Chaivaivid, Ambassador and Permanent Representative of Thailand to the United Nations, met with H.E. Mr. António Guterres, Secretary-General of the United Nations, to submit a letter seeking clarification regarding landmines incidents and provide the latest update on the situation of the Thai-Cambodian border.
During the meeting, Ambassador Cherdchai made a formal request for further clarification regarding Cambodia’s use of landmines, particularly for the two most recent incidents occurred on 27 August and 10 November 2025, under Article 8, paragraph 2, of the Anti-Personnel Mine Ban Convention (APMBC) or the Ottawa Convention. Evidence, including third-party reports and observations, namely ASEAN Observation Team (AOT) and International Campaign to Ban Landmines (ICBL), pointed to the fact that the mines were newly planted.
Over the past five months, seven Thai soldiers on routine patrol within the territory of Thailand, have suffered permanent disabilities after stepping on newly laid landmines while several others sustained severe injuries. These deployments of mines breach the Ottawa Convention and are flagrant disregard of humanitarian principles. Further, it violates the Joint Declaration (JD) signed by the two countries in Kuala Lumpur on 26 October 2025.
Going forward, Thailand will continue to resolve the issue of landmines constructively through the Ottawa Convention. It is our aim to hold those involved accountable and put in place preventive measures so that no such incidents will repeat itself in the future.
Thailand, as a proud champion of the UN Secretary-General’s campaign on humanitarian disarmament and mine action, emphasized its unwavering commitment to a mine-free world. Thailand has consistently worked to protect civilian from these indiscriminate weapons.
Today’s high-level engagement underscores Thailand’s proactive and rules-based approach to resolving the situation along the borders through existing bilateral mechanism. We are committed to prioritizing diplomatic solutions to ensure human security and the safety of all border communities.