Sisaket: "Maris" urged the Ottawa Convention to reconsider its financial assistance to Cambodia for its mine clearance project, citing a lack of sincerity and violation of the new landmine area and international law. He pointed out that the problem would ease if both parties cooperated.
According to Thai News Agency, at 1:30 PM, Mr. Maris Sngiampong, Minister of Foreign Affairs, addressed diplomats from ASEAN member states and 33 states party to the Ottawa Convention, one international organization, and two international organizations, as well as Thai and international media, following a briefing on the Thai-Cambodian border situation during a visit to Sisaket Province. He stated that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs wanted foreign representatives to understand the problem of anti-personnel landmines, which have occurred five times in less than a month, resulting in soldiers losing their legs. This is unacceptable, as it violates international law, the United Nations Charter, and the principles of the Ottawa Convention. He believed that this visit would help everyone understand the problem.
Mr. Maris stated that the landmine problem has existed since the Cold War and requested that Cambodia join in demining. All parties must comply with international law and the Ottawa Convention. A new demining program will likely need to be considered, as he acknowledged that several member states have provided financial assistance to Cambodia. However, the newly planted mines are located on Thai territory, violating the territory and international law.
Mr. Maris stated that he believes it is time to review aid to Cambodia, as it is considered to be failing to comply with donor objectives. He urges Cambodia to respect the Ottawa Convention's agreements and demonstrate sincerity in de-escalating border tensions. He added that if landmines continue to occur, the situation will worsen. Therefore, cooperation between both sides is required to reduce conflict between the two countries.
Mr. Maris added that the Thai government affirms its adherence to international law and the Ottawa Convention. Thailand will adhere to these principles, even if Cambodia is not yet ready. Thailand is ready to work with all friendly countries to carry out the demining operation, as it is a humanitarian mission.
A reporter then asked if he was afraid or concerned that his government was losing the information war against Cambodia. Mr. Maris stated that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs would prefer to communicate only through official channels, including social media. He added that he had had the opportunity to discuss with China and other countries that the use of social media to spread fake news would cause conflict and difficulties for both countries. He added that social media cannot be controlled and there is no way to know whether the news is true or not. However, why do people place such importance on social media? He emphasized that the Thai government would communicate only through official channels.
Regarding Thailand's focus on landmines but its inability to resolve border issues, Cambodia has requested that the issue be brought to the international level. Why hasn't Thailand done so? I would like to clarify that Thailand is one of 118 countries that refuses to accept the authority of the International Court of Justice. We believe that issues that began with two countries must also end with two countries. Going to the International Court of Justice does not demonstrate sincerity in negotiations and cannot resolve the difficulties we face together. For example, siblings going to court together cannot resolve their own problems.
When asked if Thailand would allow observers, such as mine experts, to conduct inspections, Mr. Maris stated that during the GBC negotiations, we already had an IOT group, or inspection team. From that meeting, we tried to encourage cooperation in demining, as planting bombs would be difficult. Therefore, a proposal had been made at the GBC negotiations, but Cambodia responded that it was not ready and withdrew the proposal. At the GBC, we already have an observer group, but if we had a group of mine experts working with Thailand to solve this problem, the Royal Thai Army would be very pleased, as Thailand follows the rules, international law, and the United Nations Charter.
As for the question of which country sold these new landmines to Cambodia and how they were planted within Thai territory, Mr. Maris said he could not answer to implicate a third party.
Regarding the bombs discovered in areas that had already been defused, we have now found new mines. Are these old stock or new stock from Cambodia? Army spokesman Major General Winthai Suvari added that Thailand has already cleared the mines. The area where they were found is entirely within Thailand. He confirmed that all of the bombs were newly discovered.
Mr. Maris then led a delegation of diplomats and media to Phu Makhuea and its base of operations to observe the terrain and observe the demining operations of the Humanitarian Mine Action Unit.