Opinion: Thailand’s UN Complaint on Landmines: A Golden Opportunity for Cambodia to Demand Justice at the ICJ

Opinion: Thailand’s UN Complaint on Landmines: A Golden Opportunity for Cambodia to Demand Justice at the ICJ

In a move that reeks of political manipulation, Thailand is reportedly preparing a complaint to the United Nations, accusing Cambodia of laying new landmines near the Mom Bei area in Cambodia’s Preah Vihear province. This accusation, which attempts to weaponize the 1997 Ottawa Convention for geopolitical gain, is not only baseless but dangerously hypocritical.

This is not a good-faith appeal to international law — it is part of Thailand’s ongoing campaign of misinformation, militarized posturing, and territorial provocation. But in this smear campaign lies a golden opportunity: Cambodia must take this moment to internationalize the four unresolved border disputes — at Mom Bei, Ta Mone Thom, Ta Mone Touch, and Takrabey Temples — and challenge Thailand to face justice at the International Court of Justice (ICJ).

A Dirty Strategy Disguised as Diplomacy

Thailand’s tactic is a classic case of blame-shifting. Instead of acknowledging its repeated violations of Cambodian sovereignty — including military encroachment, unilateral patrols, and the use of unauthorized maps — Thailand is now attempting to deflect attention by accusing Cambodia of laying new mines on its own soil.

Yet no credible evidence has been presented. The alleged use of PMN-2 mines is speculative at best — and likely staged at worst. Cambodia, a committed signatory to the Ottawa Convention, has spent decades leading demining efforts, in partnership with international actors. The Cambodian Mine Action and Victim Assistance Authority (CMAA) is internationally respected and transparent in its work.

In contrast, Thailand has its own track record of mine deployment along the border — some of which still threaten Cambodian civilians today. This historical fact is conveniently erased in Thai narratives.

To exploit humanitarian treaties for propaganda purposes is not only irresponsible — it is cynical and morally bankrupt.

Ending Decades of Thai Obstruction

Thailand’s complaint, ironically, opens the door Cambodia has long waited to push through. While Thailand seeks to frame Cambodia as the aggressor, it is Thailand that continues to block peaceful arbitration over longstanding border tensions.

The four disputed areas — Mom Bei, Ta Mone Thom, Ta Mone Touch, and Takrabey Temples — are all within Cambodian territory, yet face creeping encroachment by Thai forces. Despite the 2013 ICJ interpretation reaffirming Cambodia’s sovereignty around Preah Vihear Temple, Thailand has selectively implemented its obligations and avoided further legal resolution.

Enough is enough. If Thailand is serious about invoking international principles, then it must accept the full weight of international justice. Cambodia should formally invite Thailand to join it before the ICJ — not only on the landmine allegations but on all unresolved territorial disputes. Let both nations submit their maps, treaties, and historical evidence to impartial adjudication.

If Thailand is confident in its claims, it should have no fear of legal truth.

Cambodia Will Not Stay Silent

Cambodia categorically rejects Thailand’s false accusations and denounces this attempt to politicize the Ottawa Convention for strategic gain. Thailand’s strategy is clear: provoke a crisis, manipulate global perception, and avoid legal responsibility.

But this time, Cambodia will not merely defend itself. We will lead. We will stand for truth, for legal order, and for the dignity of international law. The Thai campaign of disinformation must be met with facts — and those facts must be judged by the world’s highest legal forum.

Cambodia calls on the international community, the United Nations, and the ICJ to look beyond Thailand’s deceptive narrative and examine the root cause of the dispute: ongoing Thai violations, illegal occupation, and refusal to resolve the four cases through legal means.

Thailand’s calculated attempt to shame Cambodia is a diplomatic gamble that could backfire.

If Thailand wants to take a fabricated landmine story to the international stage, then it must also be ready to face the consequences of decades of border obstruction.

Cambodia has nothing to hide. We are ready for truth. Ready for justice. Ready for the ICJ. Let the world decide — not through propaganda, but through international law.

Roth Santepheap is a geopolitical analyst based in Phnom Penh. The views expressed are his own.

Source: Khmer Times