Thailand and Cambodia Downgrade Diplomatic Ties Amid Border Tensions

Thailand has closed northeastern border crossings with Cambodia and announced the withdrawal of its ambassador, while expelling Cambodia's ambassador, after a land mine explosion injured five Thai soldiers in a disputed border region. Cambodia responded by recalling its diplomatic staff from Bangkok and ordering all Thai diplomatic personnel to leave Cambodia, further downgrading bilateral relations.

The incident follows a period of heightened tension since May, when a Cambodian soldier was killed during an armed confrontation in territory claimed by both nations. Nationalist sentiment has increased on both sides, and Thailand's prime minister was suspended on July 1 pending an ethics investigation related to the handling of the dispute.

The Thai army reported that the land mine, which caused a Thai soldier to lose a leg, was placed in Ubon Ratchathani province, while Cambodia claimed the explosion occurred in its Preah Vihear province. Thai authorities allege the mines were newly laid along paths previously agreed to be safe and stated the devices were Russian-made, not used by the Thai military. The Thai army called on Cambodia to take responsibility, describing the incident as a serious threat to peace and stability in the border region. Thailand also accused Cambodia of violating the Ottawa Treaty, which bans anti-personnel land mines.

Cambodia rejected the allegations as unfounded. Defense Ministry spokesperson Lt. Gen. Maly Socheata asserted that the explosion took place on Cambodian territory and accused Thailand of violating a 2000 agreement on patrol routes. Cambodia denied laying new mines and attributed the danger to unexploded ordnance remaining from past conflicts.

Thailand's acting Prime Minister Phumtham Wechayachai said the Foreign Ministry would lodge an official protest and consider further measures. In addition to diplomatic actions, Cambodia has banned Thai media, halted imports of Thai produce and fuel, and restricted some cross-border services. Many border checkpoints remain closed or operate under restrictions following recent confrontations.