Chanthaburi: The Ministry of Defence is solidifying its position ahead of the upcoming General Border Committee (GBC) meeting in Chanthaburi, as tensions with Cambodia escalate over alleged violations of international conventions. The Thai Ministry emphasized its unwillingness to engage in discussions lacking technical clarity and hinted at the possibility of abstaining from the meeting if an agreement cannot be reached.
According to Thai News Agency, the Ministry of Defence has outlined its stance, accusing Cambodia of breaching five international rules. Defence Minister General Natthaphol Nakpanich is set to lead the Thai delegation at the meeting scheduled for December 24, 2025. The Ministry underscored that if the GBC secretariat fails to reach a consensus, Thailand might opt out of signing any agreement.
The Ministry detailed the violations, including the possession and use of anti-personnel and anti-tank landmines, utilizing historical sites as military strongholds, and endangering civilian areas by using them as firing positions. Additionally, Thailand accused Cambodia of using civilian buildings for military purposes and employing civilians as human shields.
Thailand claims evidence of Cambodia’s production and use of modified landmines, with documentation indicating non-compliance with a previously signed joint declaration. The use of historical sites as military bases is particularly concerning due to their protection under international humanitarian law, which complicates military operations and increases the risk of damage.
The Thai Ministry expressed concern over Cambodia’s alleged tactic of firing weapons from civilian areas, which endangers non-combatants and restricts Thailand’s military response. The Ministry clarified that military operations targeting locations linked to scammers and casinos were due to their use as military bases, not an effort to combat scams.
Thailand reiterated the principle that civilians should not be used as tools in conflict, emphasizing adherence to international principles of target discrimination and civilian protection. The Ministry also stated that retaliatory actions would continue as necessary while negotiations through the GBC remain open to ensure ceasefire enforcement.
In the absence of agreement on key technical aspects such as troop deployment and enforcement procedures, Thailand will refrain from signing any unclear agreements. The choice of Chanthaburi as the meeting venue was due to its relative stability and safety, intended to reassure the Cambodian delegation.
The Ministry communicated a three-stage approach to the situation, focusing first on negotiations, then attempting ceasefires during clashes, and finally, engaging in intensive negotiations and countermeasures if insincerity is observed. The Thai government urges people in affected areas to maintain security and a diplomatic atmosphere during the meeting.