Not Wanting Cambodia To Blame, Thailand Asks ASEAN To Witness Mine Clearing

JAKARTA - Thai Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul hopes observers from ASEAN can attend to witness the mine clearing process on the Thailand 'Kamboja border. This hope was conveyed by Anutin after tensions between the two countries increased again due to the mine explosion incident that injured four Thai soldiers on November 10.

A spokesman for the Thai government, Siripong Angkakakkaat, said the presence of ASEAN was important to prevent unilateral accusations from Cambodia and avoid escalation of the conflict.

"With the presence of ASEAN, no party can accuse each other," he said, quoted from Sputnik, Wednesday, November 19.

Anutin has ordered Thailand's Ministry of Defense to accelerate efforts to clear mines after accusing Cambodia of rejecting plans for cleaning on both sides of the border.

To date, Thailand claims to have cleared five areas and is continuing work in eight other areas.

The incident on November 10 occurred when four Thai soldiers stepped on mines along the temporary demarcation line based on the 2000 and 2001 boundary stipulation protocols.

After the incident, Thailand suspended a peace agreement with Cambodia in October and reported finding three additional mines around the site of the explosion.

Cambodia denies setting up new mines and assesses the incident occurred as Thai soldiers entered an area that since the Civil War is still filled with landmines.

Last week, Malaysian Foreign Minister Mohamad Hasan called on the two countries to remain calm and return to the dialogue table.

Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, as Chair of ASEAN 2025, has also spoken with Thai and Cambodian leaders, who are said to reaffirm their commitment to the peace process.