BANGKOK, Thailand – Ministry of Defence Spokesperson Rear Admiral Surasant Kongsiri has stated that mine clearance along the Thai–Cambodian border remains a key issue under the second point of the Joint Declaration. He explained that, under the General Border Committee (GBC), both sides have established Joint Coordinating Task Forces (JCTF) to develop Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for mine clearance and to identify pilot areas intended for clearance within one month.
Rear Admiral Surasant said that Thailand had proposed 13 pilot areas covering sectors under the responsibility of the 1st Army Region, 2nd Army Region, and the Chanthaburi–Trat Border Defense Command, with each country responsible for clearing mines within its territory. Cambodia, however, did not initially propose any areas and later suggested only one location near Boundary Marker 47, south of Ban Nong Chan. The spokesperson added that Thailand is now working to complete clearance in the proposed areas within three months, while an additional 51 minefields remain designated for clearance under the mapped framework recognized by the Ottawa Convention.
Rear Admiral Surasant also stated that Thailand’s mine clearance efforts have encountered obstruction from the Cambodian side. He stressed, however, that Thailand remains committed to fulfilling its mine clearance responsibilities in line with international humanitarian obligations, particularly under the Ottawa Convention, to ensure the safety of border communities and prevent harm to lives and property. (NNT)
