Thailand and Cambodia have agreed to step up cooperation on clearing landmines along their shared border, marking a shift toward a more collaborative approach after years of tension.
Thailand confirmed that Cambodia will now work jointly to survey priority areas for demining. This comes after repeated concerns from Bangkok over landmines that pose risks to security, civilians, and international humanitarian law. Officials stressed that the issue is not only a matter of bilateral relations but also a broader humanitarian threat requiring urgent action.
On monitoring arrangements, Thailand expressed support for both an Interim Observer Team (IOT) and an ASEAN Observer Team (AOT). The IOT, made up of defense attachés already stationed in both countries, is seen as the most practical and immediate option for deployment. By contrast, the AOT would involve dispatching observers from various ASEAN capitals, a process that could face legal and administrative delays.
Thai officials highlighted that while both teams are valuable, the IOT offers a faster solution to ensure timely monitoring and progress in mine clearance, while discussions on the AOT continue in parallel. Thailand reaffirmed its readiness to facilitate both mechanisms to ensure efficiency, unity, and humanitarian safety.