Thailand Recalls Ambassador, Expels Cambodian Counterpart Amid Border Dispute
Thailand has recalled its ambassador to Cambodia and will expel Cambodia’s ambassador following a recent landmine incident that injured a Thai soldier along their disputed border. The ruling pheu Thai party announced the decision on Wednesday, July 23.
The Thai foreign ministry has lodged a formal protest with Cambodia, stating that the landmines discovered in the area were newly deployed and had not been encountered during previous patrols. The party shared this facts on social media.
Thailand has downgraded diplomatic relations with Cambodia, according to the party’s statement.Acting Thai Prime Minister Phumtham Wechayachai confirmed the downgrade and indicated that diplomatic ties would be further reassessed.
The government has also ordered the closure of all border checkpoints under its jurisdiction, strictly prohibiting tourist entry.
In the landmine incident on Wednesday, the injured soldier sustained severe injuries, resulting in the loss of his right leg.
The Thai government had previously condemned its neighbor on Sunday for allegedly laying anti-personnel landmines along their shared border.The Thai foreign ministry spokesman, Nikorndej Balankura, stated that the landmines constituted a serious violation of international law and an infringement of Thai sovereignty.
This statement followed an incident on July 16 where three Thai soldiers were injured by a blast near the Chong Bok border area in Ubon ratchathani province. Inspections by Thai authorities confirmed that the landmines used were newly planted and not part of Thailand’s inventory.
Cambodia’s foreign ministry denied planting new mines, asserting that the Thai soldiers had deviated from agreed patrol routes into Cambodian territory, an area known to contain unexploded landmines.
The dispute has escalated, with former leaders of both nations engaging in public disagreements. Former Cambodian Prime Minister Hun sen stated he had no desire to communicate with former Thai Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra.
The situation has led to military and diplomatic standoffs since May 28, when the Cambodian and Thai armies exchanged fire near Mom Bei, also known as the Emerald Triangle, resulting in the death of a Cambodian soldier.Both nations have as reinforced troops along their land borders and implemented reciprocal cross-border restrictions.
Cambodia’s government had not promptly responded to a request for comment regarding the recall and expulsion. The Thai foreign ministry also stated it had yet to be officially informed of thes decisions.
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