Cambodian Army PMN-2: New Evidence Revealed
Thailand Accuses Cambodia of Mine Violations, Threatening Regional Stability
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Bangkok, Thailand – The Thai army has issued strong accusations against Cambodia, alleging the continued use of landmines within Thai territory and a purposeful attempt to harm Thai soldiers. The claims center around a series of incidents sence July 16th, 2024, involving PMN-2 mines, and raise serious concerns about violations of international law and the Ottawa Convention.
Recent Incidents and Allegations
According to Major General winthaya Suwari, the Thai army spokesman, the area where Thai personnel have been injured by landmines – with five incidents occurring between July 16th and August 12th, 2024, including a clash near Ta Khwai Castle – was previously declared safe by the national Mines (T-Mac) agency after clearance operations between 2020 and 2022. This suggests a re-introduction of mines into an area previously deemed secure.
“The statement is another misrepresentation as usual,” stated Suwari. “Prior to July 15th, we had not encountered PMN-2 mines in this region. however, from July 15th to August 12th, the Army received reports of new, ready-to-use PMN-2 mines, both at the site of the injured personnel and in 41 other border areas. This clearly indicates Cambodia continues to utilize mines as a weapon against Thailand.”
The Thai military alleges that this constitutes an intentional assault on Thai sovereignty, utilizing landmines to inflict casualties. Evidence cited includes photographic evidence purportedly showing a large number of Cambodian soldiers carrying PMN-2 mines near border markers, a direct violation of international law, the Ottawa Convention (also known as the Anti-Personnel Mine Ban Convention), and international humanitarian law.
Disputed Border Agreements and Cambodian Response
The accusations extend to claims that Cambodia is violating the terms of agreements reached during General Border Committee (GBC) meetings, specifically regarding movement and patrols near border stations. While the Thai military maintains its operations remain within Thai territory, it alleges Cambodian forces are actively smuggling mines across the border with the intent to harm Thai personnel.
“instead of adhering to the spirit of cooperation, the Cambodian side is engaging in actions that endanger lives and distort the truth,” Suwari asserted. “They should clearly accept the thai proposal for joint mine clearance efforts during the next GBC meeting if they are genuinely committed to resolving this issue.”
Concerns Over International Funding and Credibility
The Thai army has also raised concerns about the potential misuse of international funds allocated to Cambodia for mine clearance. Cambodia receives financial support from numerous countries to remove landmines, but the thai military alleges these funds are being diverted to procure and deploy mines for offensive purposes.
“The false facts disseminated by the Cambodian side, coupled with the secret deployment of mines to threaten Thai personnel, risks damaging Cambodia’s image and credibility on the world stage,” Suwari warned. “This is notably concerning given Cambodia’s status as a signatory to the Ottawa Convention and a recipient of substantial funding for mine action.”
The Thai military is calling for donor countries to investigate these allegations and ensure that funds intended for mine removal are not being used to exacerbate the problem and endanger neighboring countries. They urge a thorough examination of the facts to determine whether Cambodia is secretly utilizing these resources to arm its forces and target Thai soldiers, a clear breach of international agreements.