On 16 August 2025, H.E. Mr. Maris Sangiampongsa, Minister of Foreign Affairs, together with H.E. Mr. Russ Jalichandra, Vice Minister for Foreign Affairs, H.E. Mr. Visarn Techateerawat, Vice Minister for Interior, the Ministry of Interior, the Royal Thai Army, and relevant agencies, led a delegation of 36 diplomatic corps from ASEAN Member States, States Parties to the Ottawa Convention, representatives of international organisations and civil society organizations engaged on de-mining - totaling 33 countries, 1 organization and 2 international organizations, as well as Thai and foreign media, on a field visit to Si Sa Ket province, to observe first-hand the use of anti-personnel landmines in Thai territory by the Cambodian side, as well as the impacts of indiscriminate attacks by Cambodian forces on civilian areas.

At the outset, the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Vice Minister for Interior, Governor of Si Sa Ket province, and representatives from the Royal Thai Armed Forces and Royal Thai Army, briefed the delegation on the incidents in which Thai soldiers were severely injured by anti-personnel landmines, as well as concrete evidence that the landmines discovered were newly planted by Cambodian armed forces on Thai territory. Furthermore, the briefing included assistance and remedies being provided to civilians and communities affected by Cambodia’s indiscriminate attacks.

The delegation then traveled to Phu Makhua area, Kantharalak district, to observe activities related to mine clearance operations in affected areas, on site and first-hand. Evidence clearly points to the use and intentional planting of landmines by the Cambodian side in violation of Thailand’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, as well as international law, the United Nations Charter, human rights principles and international humanitarian law, particularly the Ottawa Convention to which both countries are States Parties. Through five incidents within one month, Cambodia’s use of landmines has resulted in injuries to 11 Thai soldiers, five permanently disabled. At the end of the visit, the delegation also surveyed civilian homes in Kantharalak district which were affected by indiscriminate attacks by Cambodian forces. In Thailand overall, more than 780,000 individuals and 260,000 households were affected, with over 150,000 being evacuated, and with other long-term, multi-faceted consequences.

The field visit received wide interest from the diplomatic corps, international organizations, and both Thai and international media. It was an opportunity for the delegation to receive first-hand information from the relevant agencies, and affected local residents. This visit also allowed the international community to gain full and accurate insight into the situation. Moreover, Thailand underscored the great importance we attach to humanitarian mine action, while the Cambodian side has not done so earnestly, and consistently violating its obligations in this regard. Lastly, the international community, especially donors and supporters of Cambodia’s demining activities, are urged to exert pressure on Cambodia to uphold its obligations, and to review the assistance on mine clearance given to Cambodia.

Thailand remains committed to addressing current tensions with Cambodia through existing bilateral channels, and to implementing the terms of the ceasefire. We call on Cambodia to cooperate on mine clearance, and also to refrain from disseminating disinformation, in order to create a conducive environment for resolving the situation.