DIPLOMATS from 33 countries were urged to reconsider giving financial assistance for demining to Cambodia during a visit to Sisaket’s Kantharalak district and Pumakhua mountainous area today (Aug. 16), Naewna newspaper said.
Foreign Affairs Minister Maris Sangiampongsa told the diplomats from Asean countries and state parties of the Ottawa Convention plus representatives from international organisations that Cambodia is not sincere in demining whereas Thailand is ready to cooperate with allies in doing so.
He also mentioned that in less than a month five Thai soldiers had lost their legs in landmine blasts with this being unacceptable as it violates international law, the UN Charter and the Ottawa Convention.
The problem of anti-personnel mines dates back to the Cold War and Thailand has requested that Cambodia participate in demining operations as all parties must comply with international law and the Ottawa Convention, he said, even so new landmines have been planted in Thai territory in violation of international law and Thai sovereignty.
If more Thai soldiers step on landmines the border situation will worsen and for this reason both countries should cooperate to reduce tensions.
On concerns that the Thai government is losing the information war against Cambodia, Maris said that while Thai authorities have been communicating through both official channels and social media, as fake news is also spread online the Thai government will only communicate through the official channels.
On Cambodia having referred the issue of three disputed temples and a contested area to the International Court of Justice, Maris pointed out that Thailand is one of 118 countries that does not accept the jurisdiction of this court while believing that issues between the two countries should also be settled by the two parties.
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Top and Front Page: Diplomats visiting Sisaket today, Aug. 16, 2025. Photos: Thai Foreign Affairs Ministry shared on Facebook by NNT
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