Bangkok: Thailand's Ministry of Foreign Affairs has announced its intention to pursue legal action against Cambodia on the international stage, accusing the neighboring country of violating existing agreements. The Ministry has urged Cambodia to stop disseminating what it describes as distorted news, which it claims undermines mutual trust and impedes efforts to find a peaceful resolution to ongoing tensions.
According to Thai News Agency, Ms. Maratee Nalita Andamo, Deputy Director-General of the Department of Information and Deputy Spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, detailed Thailand's proactive diplomatic efforts. From August 26-28, Mr. Marist Sngiampong, Minister of Foreign Affairs, traveled to Geneva, Switzerland. He presented information regarding tensions with Cambodia, particularly concerning landmines allegedly placed within Thai borders, to influential groups promoting adherence to the Ottawa Convention. During his visit, the Minister reaffirmed Thailand's commitment to the Convention and welcomed questions for clarification. He also announced Thailand's involvement in the UN Secretary-General's global campaign on humanitarian disarmament and mine action. Concurrently, Thailand's Permanent Representative to New York met with the UN Secretary-General to provide additional evidence and sought clarification from Cambodia on the reported landmine incident that injured six Thai soldiers. Thailan d aims to collaborate with Cambodia on demining efforts under bilateral mechanisms and in line with the ceasefire agreement to ensure the safety of both nations' citizens.
Ms. Maratee also addressed what she described as distorted information published in the Khmer Times, which blamed recent border clashes for Cambodians' inability to return home due to residual weaponry. She countered these allegations, stating that Cambodia has consistently breached the ceasefire agreement by laying anti-personnel mines, deploying drones, inciting the public, and using improvised explosive devices on Thai territory. A report from JANES magazine revealed satellite images showing a Cambodian military base established months before the clashes, supporting Thailand's claim that Cambodia initiated the conflict.
"Thailand is deeply concerned about Cambodia's systematic dissemination of disinformation and propaganda," said Ms. Maratee. This issue was discussed with the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR), which identified it as a global propaganda problem. Such actions, Thailand asserts, not only erode mutual trust but also hinder peaceful resolutions. Thailand calls on Cambodia to cease these actions for the benefit of regional peace and the well-being of both countries' citizens. Ms. Maratee concluded by expressing Thailand's hope for Cambodia's cooperation in landmine clearance and combating online fraud, reaffirming Thailand's commitment to a peaceful resolution of the border situation.