Red Cross confronted about potential landmine issues by Maris
Thailand's Foreign Affairs Minister, Maris Sangiampongsa, met with Mirjana Spoljaric Egger, President of the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), on Thursday. The discussion focused on issues related to the border between Thailand and Cambodia.
Minister Maris emphasised that Thailand's participation in this discussion with the ICRC was through formal communication channels. He raised concerns about human rights abuses, disinformation campaigns, and the alleged use of civilians as human shields by Cambodia, stating these actions violate international law.
Thailand has submitted formal protests to international organizations regarding Cambodia's non-cooperation with the ceasefire and related international laws. The organization that submitted these formal protests was the United Nations.
The ICRC supports Thailand's evidence-based approach to countering disinformation. Minister Maris presented evidence of Cambodia's violations of the Ottawa Convention, specifically its continued use of anti-personnel landmines and breaches of the ceasefire agreement with Thailand.
Thai forces remain on full alert around the clock to safeguard Thailand's national sovereignty, as reported by the Special Operations Centre for Thai-Cambodian Border Situations Management (SOC-TCBSM). No clashes have occurred in 11 border areas across seven provinces, according to the SOC-TCBSM.
Thailand, according to Minister Maris, has strictly adhered to international law and the UN Charter in its responses, employing only legitimate diplomatic and defense measures. The Second Army Region commander, Lt Gen Boonsin Padklang, stated that the risk of renewed armed confrontation between Thailand and Cambodia is now "fifty-fifty" following the latest landmine incident.
The meeting took place at the Anti-Personnel Mine Ban Convention (APMBC) held at the United Nations (UN) Office in Geneva, Switzerland. The APMBC is a treaty that aims to put an end to the use, stockpiling, production, and transfer of anti-personnel landmines.
It is important to note that historically, Thailand has hosted Cambodian refugees, including the establishment of a refugee camp in Ban Nong Chan village. However, recent events have strained the relationship between the two countries.
A new landmine incident on Thai territory occurred the day before the meeting, which injured another Thai soldier and resulted in the loss of a leg. This incident underscores the gravity of the situation and the need for a peaceful resolution to the border disputes.
The Thai government continues to pursue peaceful dialogue in its approach to the border situation with Cambodia. The hope is that through diplomatic channels and adherence to international law, a lasting solution can be found to ensure the safety and well-being of all those affected by the border disputes.
