Government Spokesperson Siripong Angkasakulkiat quoted Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul as saying that Thailand was strongly committed to resolving the Thailand-Cambodia border issue and pushing forward trade agreements with foreign partner countries.

Government Spokesperson Siripong Angkasakulkiat on 17 November gave a press briefing on the Thai-Cambodian border situation and the country’s international trade negotiations. Also joining the press briefing at Santi Maitri Building, Government House, were representatives from relevant agencies.

Spokesperson of the Ministry of Defense Rear Admiral Surasant Kongsiri updated the Thailand-Cambodia border situation, specifically the issue of anti-personnel landmines, which has raised concerns for the safety of military personnel and local residents. From 16 July to 10 November 2025, there were seven incidents in which Thai soldiers stepped on anti-personnel landmines, injuring a total of 20 soldiers, seven of whom have lost their legs, and 13 sustained injuries from explosions. The most recent one occurred on 10 November in the area of Huai Ta Maria, Si Sa Ket Province.

According to the inspection of relevant Thai agencies, the incident at Huai Ta Maria evidently involved newly planted PMN-2 anti-personnel landmines in the area that Thai personnel had previously cleared and secured. An additional three unexploded mines were also discovered nearby. The way these landmines were planted indicates an ill intention to harm Thai personnel and caused fatalities. Cambodia’s accusation of Thailand’s self-planting of these mines is absolutely untrue, as the country has strictly adhered to the Ottawa Convention. Thailand officially reported on 30 April 2025 that it had not stockpiled any type of anti-personnel landmines since 2019. Thailand’s demining operation has, so far, cleared over 99.5% of the target areas, with only 12.8 square kilometers remaining in six provinces. 

Additionally, a body of evidence also indicate that the landmines had been recently planted by Cambodia. This includes photographs of Cambodian soldiers holding PMN-2 landmines; video clips of the transport of 72B landmines, and the discovery of new landmines following the recent clash in the Phu Makuea area. 

The Spokesperson of the Ministry of Defense emphasized that these actions apparently contradict Cambodia’s obligations under the Ottawa Convention and the Joint Declaration between Thailand and Cambodia. It also shows Cambodia’s noncompliance with the resolutions of General Border Committee (GBC) meeting that had been mutually agreed upon, which discourage provocative acts and escalation of conflicts that could increase tensions. 

Cambodia also violated item Number 4 of the Joint Declaration, which stipulates “reaffirmation of commitment to the settlement of border dispute and border demarcation through peaceful means and international law, refraining from the threat or use of force or any acts of provocation.” Factual incidents demonstrate Cambodia’s apparent violation of the agreement. 

Cambodia’s actions have consequently prompted Thailand to “suspend compliance with the Action Plan.” However, Thailand is committed to continuing with its demining operations in 13 areas within the Thai territory, which cover the operational areas of the Burapha Task Force, Suranaree Task Force, and Chanthaburi-Trat Border Defense Command. The Royal Thai Armed Forces affirms its commitment to protect Thai sovereignty and territorial integrity in all circumstances, and to prioritize safety of citizens along the border, as anti-personnel landmines are destructive weapons with long-term impact on the physical, mental, and familial well-being of all victims.

The Government Spokesperson summarized the Government’s five approaches with regard to the Joint Declaration by the Prime Minister of Thailand and the Prime Minister of Cambodia on the outcomes of their meeting in Kuala Lumpur, following the recent clashes and mine incidents: 1) troop withdrawal, which was scheduled to complete within two months, is suspended indefinitely; 2) the Government affirms its commitment to proceed with full-scale demining operations in the Thai territory, whether or not the Cambodian side agrees; 3) the Government will continue with its management and operation in the Nong Chan and Nong Ya Kaeo areas; 4) crackdown of online scams will be continued; multilateral mechanisms will be leveraged for the operation if the bilateral mechanism between Thailand and Cambodia falls through; and (5) negotiations on the release of Cambodian soldier hostages will only commence only after it is confirmed that Cambodia’s hostile actions have completely ceased.

The Government Spokesperson reaffirmed that the Thai government and military remain committed to resolving the conflict by peaceful means, but reserve the right to retaliate proportionately, if provoked. He called on both Thai and foreign media to exercise caution in their communications, especially in this sensitive situation, as the impacts could be widespread. The Government Spokesperson also affirmed the Government’s prompt and direct communication on this matter.

Meanwhile, Director-General of the Department of Trade Negotiations Chotima Iemsawasdikul said that Thailand continues to have discussions with the United States. Based on recent statements of the Malaysian Prime Minister and the U.S. President regarding the situation, it is very likely that the U.S. also adheres to the original timeline to finalize details of the Reciprocal Tariff Agreement Framework by the end of this year. Minister of Commerce met with the United States Trade Representative at the APEC Summit, and consistently emphasized that the issues of security and trade must clearly be separated.