Tensions between Thailand and Cambodia are escalating, with Thailand pursuing multiple avenues of legal and diplomatic action following recent incidents involving Cambodian forces. These actions range from protests regarding landmine violations to proposals for international criminal charges against Cambodian leaders.

One significant incident involved a clear violation of the Ottawa Convention on landmines, which took place just two days after a General Border Committee meeting in Kuala Lumpur. During this meeting, Cambodia had explicitly rejected Thailand’s proposal for both nations to collaboratively clear landmines along their shared border. In response to this violation, Thailand has initiated strong diplomatic protests. Thailand’s ambassador to the United Nations in Geneva has formally sent a letter to the chair of the Ottawa Convention, registering a protest against these incidents. Furthermore, Thailand’s ambassador to the United Nations in New York has engaged in meetings with both the chair of the Ottawa Convention and the UN secretary-general, seeking action against Cambodia for its alleged breach of the treaty.

In a related development, Acting Prime Minister Phumtham Wechayachai announced on Tuesday that academics are considering submitting a proposal to the Thai government. This proposal would involve pursuing legal action against Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet and his father, Hun Sen, in the International Criminal Court (ICC), accusing them of being war criminals. Phumtham stated that should such a proposal be officially submitted to him, he would direct the government’s legal experts to thoroughly review it. This announcement comes in the context of a resolution passed by the National Security Council (NSC). The NSC’s resolution aims to file both criminal and civil lawsuits against Hun Manet and Hun Sen within Thai courts. These lawsuits would address the deaths and injuries sustained by Thai citizens, as well as damage to assets, resulting from orders given to Cambodian troops to fire upon Thai civilians. The combination of diplomatic protests and potential legal challenges underscores Thailand's firm stance against Cambodian actions perceived as aggressive and unlawful.