Thailand called on the support of the international community for the resumption of dialogue in good faith, according to a letter circulated among the UN Security Council members.
In the letter dated July 24 by Cherdchai Chaivaivid, Ambassador and Permanent Representative to the UN, Thailand remains firmly committed to the peaceful settlement of disputes and categorically rejects the use of force as a means to resolve international disputes.
“We call upon the international community to urge the immediate cessation of hostilities and the resumption of dialogue in good faith. We also reaffirm our readiness to engage through established bilateral mechanisms, including the Joint Boundary Commission, which is scheduled to take place in early September 2025, to resolve any outstanding differences,” reiterated the letter, which was seen by Thai PBS World.
The letter relates to the armed attacks on July 24, when Cambodian soldiers opened fire on a Thai military base at Muen Thom in Surin. Shortly after, Cambodian troops launched indiscriminate attacks on the four Thai provinces of Buriram, Surin, Si Sa Ket, and Ubon Ratchathani.
The attacks have killed 11 and injured 24 civilians, eight of whom are in critical condition. Furthermore, he added that 102,000 residents have been evacuated from their homes.
Earlier on July 16 and 23, Thai army personnel, while conducting routine patrols along the Thai border, stepped on PMN-2 landmines. Evidence suggests that these landmines were newly planted.
Thailand strongly condemns Cambodia’s indiscriminate attacks against civilians, civilian objects, and public facilities—particularly a hospital—which constituted a flagrant violation of the Geneva Convention. Furthermore, he stated that such inhumane acts have caused human suffering and hardship to innocent civilians.
As a State Party to the Anti-Personnel Mine Ban Convention, Thailand has submitted its annual transparency reports on its obligations. It stated that Thailand had cleared all landmines by 2019. In contrast, Cambodia’s latest report shows that as of December 31, 2024, Cambodia continues to retain PMN-2.
The Thai letter was to counter a letter of Prime Minister Hun Manet of Cambodia to The UN Security Council, asking for an emergency meeting over the deadly border clashes between Thailand and Cambodia.
In his letter, Hun Manet asked the UNSC to halt what he described as Thailand’s “grave aggression,” which he claims threatens peace and stability in the region.
The UNSC will hold an emergency meeting on Friday (2am Bangkok time) over the issue. Thai and Cambodian permanent representatives to the UN will attend the meeting to be held behind closed door, together with 15 other UNSC members in New York.
