Thailand downgrades diplomatic relations with Cambodia amid border mine row

Police officers stand guard in front of the Royal Embassy of Cambodia during a protest by activists, following a recent clash at the Thailand-Cambodia border on May 28, 2025, in Bangkok, Thailand, June 6, 2025. [Photo/Agencies]

Thailand's acting Prime Minister Phumtham Wechayachai issued a statement on Wednesday, announcing the decision to downgrade diplomatic relations with Cambodia, CCTV News reported. The statement included the recall of the Thai ambassador to Cambodia, the expulsion of the Cambodian ambassador from Thailand, and instructions for the Thai Ministry of Foreign Affairs to submit a letter of protest.

It is the latest escalation of tensions caused by the landmine dispute between Thailand and Cambodia.

The move came after a fresh landmine incident injured a Thai soldier on the disputed frontier, Nation Thailand reported. Another Thai soldier, Sergeant Major Pichitchai Boonkorat, sustained severe injuries, after stepping on a landmine on Wednesday afternoon in the disputed Huai Bon area, located in Ubon Ratchathani province, per Nation Thailand.

Thailand has accused Cambodia of placing landmines in a disputed border area after three soldiers were injured, Reuters reported on Monday. Cambodia's foreign ministry denied the claim, and said in a statement on Monday night that the Thai soldiers deviated from agreed patrol routes into Cambodian territory and into areas that contain unexploded landmines, per Reuters.

Cambodia Prime Minister Hun Manet on Tuesday issued a strong warning to Thailand over its threats of unilateral action in disputed border areas, rejecting landmine planting accusations and vowing to defend Cambodia's sovereignty at all costs, Khmer Times reported.