Statement on the protest to the Cambodian side concerning the 8th landmine incident

1. On 21 December 2025, following the successful operation by the Chanthaburi-Trat Border Defense Command to secure control of the area of Ban Nong Ree, Trat Province, one Thai marine from the Royal Thai Navy stepped on an anti-personnel landmine laid by the Cambodian side, resulting in permanent disability.

2. The area of Ban Nong Ree had previously been occupied and used by the Cambodian side as a military base, where the Thai side discovered a large number of abandoned weapons and explosive ordnance. This clearly demonstrates deliberate intent and plans to use landmines to cause severe harm to the lives of Thai military personnel.

3. Thailand strongly condemns Cambodia's use of anti-personnel landmines, which constitutes a violation of Thailand's sovereignty and territorial integrity, as well as the Joint Declaration between Thailand and Cambodia. Such actions also violate obligations under the Anti-Personnel Mine Ban Convention (Ottawa Convention) to which Cambodia is a State Party. Thailand is sending letters of protest to Cambodia and also to Zambia, in its capacity as President of the 23rd Meeting of States Parties to the Convention, in order to pursue action under the Convention's mechanisms.

4. Thailand wishes to express its sympathy to the families of the injured marine due to this latest landmine incident. We call upon Cambodia to immediately cease actions that violate the Convention, to cooperate in joint humanitarian demining efforts along the border, and to demonstrate genuine commitment to returning to the path of peace, in order to reduce tensions and prevent future loss.