BANGKOK, Thailand – The Thai government has reaffirmed its openness to international scrutiny following a visit by diplomats, Ottawa Convention state parties, and representatives of demining organizations to Sisaket province on August 16. Delegates inspected mine-affected areas along the Thai–Cambodian border and met with residents impacted by newly planted anti-personnel mines. Government Spokesperson Jirayu Houngsub said the visit allowed foreign representatives to see the situation firsthand and share their findings with their respective governments.
From August 11 to 14, the Royal Thai Army, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and the Ministry of Interior coordinated with the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) to assess the humanitarian impact of recent clashes. The ICRC visited affected districts in Surin, Sisaket, and Ubon Ratchathani provinces, with local authorities assisting in logistics and information gathering. Thai officials described this cooperation as part of efforts to ensure international humanitarian principles are observed.
The ICRC mission was conducted under its neutral mandate in line with the Geneva Conventions. Its role was to collect information, conduct private interviews, and submit confidential reports to the authorities of both countries. In keeping with international practice, the ICRC does not disclose its findings publicly, maintaining its focus on humanitarian action rather than political judgment.
Jirayu also announced that from August 18 to 20, the Royal Thai Armed Forces will lead the Interim Observer Team (IOT) to the border to monitor compliance with international law and assess whether Cambodia has violated agreements reached at the most recent General Border Committee meeting. (NNT)
