Tensions between Thailand and Cambodia have escalated following incidents that Thailand alleges violate international agreements and caused harm to its citizens. One such incident involved a clear violation of the Ottawa Convention on landmines, occurring shortly after the General Border Committee meeting in Kuala Lumpur. During this meeting, Cambodia had explicitly rejected Thailand’s proposal for a joint effort to clear landmines along their shared border.

In response to this alleged landmine violation, Thailand has initiated significant diplomatic actions. Thailand’s ambassador to the UN in Geneva has formally submitted a letter of protest to the chair of the Ottawa Convention. Additionally, Thailand’s ambassador to the UN in New York has met with both the chair of the Ottawa Convention and the UN secretary-general, advocating for action against Cambodia for its breach of the treaty.

Further compounding the strained relations, Acting Prime Minister Phumtham Wechayachai announced on Tuesday that academics are considering submitting a proposal to the Thai government. This proposal would advocate for suing Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet and his father, Hun Sen, in the International Criminal Court (ICC) on charges of war crimes. Phumtham indicated that if such a proposal is officially submitted, he would direct the government’s legal experts to meticulously review it.

This consideration of international legal action stems directly from a resolution passed by Thailand’s National Security Council (NSC). The NSC’s resolution outlined plans to file both criminal and civil lawsuits against Hun Manet and Hun Sen within Thai courts. These lawsuits would accuse the Cambodian leaders of ordering Cambodian troops to fire at Thai civilians, resulting in fatalities, injuries, and damage to assets. The potential pursuit of justice through the ICC represents a more serious escalation in Thailand's efforts to hold the Cambodian leadership accountable for these alleged actions.