Tensions between Thailand and Cambodia have escalated following a series of incidents, prompting Thailand to pursue both diplomatic and potential legal avenues to address alleged violations and aggression. A recent landmine incident, occurring just two days after a General Border Committee meeting in Kuala Lumpur where Cambodia rejected Thailand’s proposal for joint landmine clearance, has been cited as a clear violation of the Ottawa Convention on landmines.

In response to these incidents, Thailand has initiated diplomatic action. Thailand’s ambassador to the UN in Geneva has sent a letter to the chair of the Ottawa Convention to formally protest. Concurrently, Thailand’s ambassador to the UN in New York has met with both the chair of the Ottawa Convention and the UN secretary-general, requesting action against Cambodia for its alleged treaty violations.

Beyond diplomatic protests, Thailand is also considering significant legal recourse. Acting Prime Minister Phumtham Wechayachai announced on Tuesday that academics may submit a proposal to the government to consider suing Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet and his father, Hun Sen, in the International Criminal Court (ICC) as war criminals. Should such a proposal be officially submitted, Phumtham stated he would task the government’s legal experts with reviewing it.

Furthermore, the National Security Council (NSC) has already resolved to file both criminal and civil lawsuits against Hun Manet and Hun Sen in Thai courts. These lawsuits would accuse them of causing deaths and injuries to Thai citizens, as well as damaging assets, by allegedly ordering Cambodian troops to fire at Thai civilians. These multiple layers of response underscore the gravity with which Thailand views the ongoing border issues and alleged actions by Cambodian leadership.