Thailand Accuses Cambodia of Planting Land Mines on Shared Border, Escalating Dispute

Thailand accuses Cambodia of planting land mines on the Thai side of their shared border, injuring three Thai soldiers. The mines were not used by Thailand and were recently laid in a "blatant violation of international law." Thailand condemns the use of anti-personnel mines and plans to take action under the UN's Anti-Personnel Mine Ban Convention. The border dispute has escalated since a May exchange of gunfire killed a Cambodian soldier, with both countries massing troops along the frontier.

Thailand has accused Cambodia of planting anti-personnel land mines on the Thai side of their shared border, injuring three Thai soldiers. The incident occurred on July 16, when soldiers were on routine patrol in the Chong Bok area of Ubon Ratchathani province [1].

The Thai Ministry of Foreign Affairs released a statement condemning the use of anti-personnel mines, describing it as a "blatant violation of international law" and a breach of Thailand's sovereignty [1]. The mines were not of a type used by Thailand and were recently laid, according to the ministry.

The border dispute between Thailand and Cambodia has escalated in recent months. The incident follows a May 28 exchange of gunfire that killed a Cambodian soldier and has led to both countries massing troops along the frontier [1]. The dispute has also strained trade links between the two nations.

Thailand has called on Cambodia to cooperate in humanitarian demining efforts along the border and has stated that it plans to take action against Cambodia under the United Nations' Anti-Personnel Mine Ban Convention [1]. The Thai government has also urged Cambodia to take responsibility for the incident and cease obstructing Thai demining efforts [2].

The Thailand Mines Action Centre (TMAC) has expressed deep concern over the incident and condemned the use of anti-personnel mines, calling for a full and transparent investigation and meaningful steps to prevent similar incidents in the future [2]. TMAC has also called on Cambodia to actively cooperate in humanitarian mine clearance operations.

The border dispute between Thailand and Cambodia has the potential to impact regional stability and trade. As tensions rise, investors and financial professionals should closely monitor the situation for any developments that could affect business operations in the region.

References:
[1] https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2025-07-21/thailand-claims-cambodia-planted-land-mines-escalating-dispute
[2] https://www.nationthailand.com/news/general/40052806