Thailand has taken a strong diplomatic stance following a land mine explosion that seriously injured Thai soldiers, including one who lost a leg. In response, the country closed its northeastern border crossings with Cambodia and announced the withdrawal of its ambassador while expelling Cambodia’s ambassador from Bangkok.
The Thai army claimed the blast occurred in Ubon Ratchathani province on Thai soil. Cambodia, however, insisted the incident happened within its Preah Vihear province. This clash is part of a larger border dispute that has inflamed nationalist sentiment in both nations.
Diplomatic Ties Severed as Land Mine Accusations and Border Tensions Intensify Rapidly
In response to Thailand’s actions, Cambodia retaliated by downgrading diplomatic relations to the lowest level. It recalled all Cambodian staff from its embassy in Bangkok and ordered Thai diplomats to leave Cambodia.
The diplomatic freeze follows months of rising tensions, with the situation deteriorating rapidly after a deadly clash on May 28 that left a Cambodian soldier dead. Many border checkpoints had already been closed or restricted, worsening bilateral cooperation and mobility in contested areas.
The Thai military has accused Cambodia of laying new Russian-made land mines in areas both sides had previously agreed were safe for patrols. A second explosion a week earlier had also injured three Thai soldiers.
Thailand asserts that Cambodia violated the Ottawa Treaty, which prohibits the use and production of anti-personnel mines. Cambodia has denied these allegations, stating the accusations are unfounded and asserting that the area still contains remnants of old unexploded ordnance from previous conflicts.
Accusations Escalate as Economic and Cultural Retaliation Deepen Border Conflict Tensions
The Cambodian Defense Ministry countered Thailand’s claims by alleging that Thai soldiers violated a 2000 agreement on patrol routes. Cambodian officials also insisted the explosion took place on their territory. They argue that unexploded land mines from past conflicts remain a danger, and they have not planted any new ones.
The Thai government, however, maintains that the latest incidents represent a breach of international agreements and a threat to regional stability.
The dispute has spilled beyond military and diplomatic channels into the economic and cultural realms. Cambodia has banned Thai television and films, halted imports of Thai fruits, vegetables, and fuel, and even boycotted some of Thailand’s international internet and energy services.
These moves further strain relations between the neighboring countries, adding economic consequences to an already volatile political and military standoff. Thailand’s acting Prime Minister has promised further diplomatic measures as tensions show no signs of easing.
