Thai Army Urges Cambodia to Address Heavy Weapons, Landmines, and Cross-Border Crime

The Royal Thai Army has renewed its call for Cambodia to take decisive action on a series of longstanding security concerns along their shared border. In a move aimed at reinforcing bilateral agreements, the Thai military has sent formal letters to Cambodian forces urging compliance with a four-point agreement addressing heavy weapons withdrawal, landmine clearance, cross-border crime, and joint border management.

Four-Point Agreement: A Framework for Border Stability

The four key areas outlined in the agreement are:

1. Withdrawal of Heavy Weapons: Both sides agreed to remove or reposition artillery and other heavy military equipment away from the border to reduce the risk of escalation.
2. Landmine Clearance: Decades of conflict have left numerous unexploded landmines along the Thai-Cambodian border, posing a deadly hazard to local communities. The agreement calls for systematic demining to ensure civilian safety.
3. Combating Transnational Crime: Illegal activities, including smuggling, human trafficking, and drug-related crimes, have persisted across the border. The agreement emphasizes joint efforts to curb these issues.
4. Joint Border Management: Coordinated monitoring, patrols, and communication between the two countries’ military forces are intended to prevent misunderstandings and improve overall security.

Thai Military’s Push for Compliance

Major General Winthai Suvaree, spokesperson for the Royal Thai Army, provided an update on the situation on Saturday, explaining that Thailand’s First and Second Army Areas have formally reached out to Cambodia’s 4th and 5th Military Regions. The letters encourage the Cambodian side to implement these four measures with urgency.

“Thailand has consistently pursued concrete action to ensure the safety and security of our border regions,” Major General Suvaree said. “We have made repeated requests for landmine clearance, the removal of heavy weapons, countering cross-border crime, and establishing joint border management mechanisms. Compliance with these points is essential for mutual trust and stability.”

He noted that Cambodia’s limited cooperation so far has slowed progress on these critical security measures, leaving border areas vulnerable to potential conflicts, accidents, and criminal activity.

Landmines: A Persistent Danger

Landmines remain a deadly issue along the Thai-Cambodian border, remnants of past conflicts that continue to endanger civilians. Local communities have reported injuries and fatalities over the years due to unexploded ordnance. Thai officials emphasize that a coordinated effort with Cambodian forces to remove these hazards is not only a humanitarian necessity but also a step toward strengthening regional relations.

“Clearing landmines is a responsibility that goes beyond national interests—it is a matter of human safety,” Major General Suvaree said. “Delays in demining put lives at risk and can exacerbate tensions if incidents occur.”

Cross-Border Crime Concerns

In addition to military and safety issues, the Thai army has stressed the urgency of tackling transnational crime. Smuggling of contraband, human trafficking, and illegal logging have all been reported along the border. Thai authorities argue that addressing these problems requires Cambodian cooperation, coordinated patrols, and intelligence-sharing.

“Transnational crime affects both countries and threatens regional stability,” Major General Suvaree explained. “Failure to act not only undermines security but could invite international scrutiny and pressure on Cambodia to enforce the law along its borders.”

Joint Border Management: Building Trust

Joint border management, the fourth key point, is critical to preventing misunderstandings and accidental conflicts. Thailand has advocated for more frequent meetings, shared patrols, and open communication channels between the two countries’ military forces.

“Establishing joint border management is a practical approach to reducing tension and building confidence between our nations,” Suvaree said. “It ensures that any incidents are handled diplomatically and promptly rather than escalating into larger disputes.”

Implications for Bilateral Relations

Thai officials have made it clear that Cambodia’s inaction or disregard for the four-point agreement could have broader diplomatic consequences. Continued noncompliance could strain bilateral ties and attract international attention, particularly regarding the transnational crime and border security issues that both countries face.

Conversely, active engagement and full compliance could mark a turning point in Thai-Cambodian relations. Successful implementation of the agreement would demonstrate goodwill, enhance regional security, and create a foundation for resolving other territorial and diplomatic disputes.

Looking Ahead

While Thailand continues to press for action, Major General Suvaree cautioned that the trajectory of change remains uncertain. “We remain hopeful that Cambodia will take these agreements seriously and implement the measures we have agreed upon,” he said. “However, it is too early to predict the outcome. Thailand will continue its efforts to protect our border and our citizens.”

The Thai army’s letters underscore the broader challenges faced by Southeast Asian nations in maintaining peace and security along historically contentious borders. The situation highlights the delicate balance between diplomacy, military preparedness, and humanitarian considerations in addressing longstanding security concerns.

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