Thailand recalls ambassador, downgrades ties with Cambodia

Thailand recalls ambassador, downgrades ties with Cambodia

Khmer Times | Thailand has formally downgraded diplomatic relations with Cambodia and recalled its ambassador in response to a landmine incident that severely injured a Thai soldier along the disputed border, escalating tensions between the two Southeast Asian neighbours.
The decision comes just one day after a Thai patrol soldier lost his leg on July 23 when he stepped on a landmine in a contested area near the Chong An Ma region, located in Nam Yuen District, Ubon Ratchathani Province.

The blast, which Thai authorities blame on Cambodian forces’ alleged failure to clear landmines, has further inflamed a long-standing territorial dispute centred around ancient temple sites and overlapping border claims.

In a press conference held Wednesday night, Acting Prime Minister Phumtham Wechayachai, who also serves as the interior minister, announced Thailand’s decisive diplomatic retaliation.

“The government has decided to downgrade diplomatic relations by recalling the Thai ambassador to Cambodia back to Thailand,” Phumtham said. “We are also requesting the Cambodian ambassador to leave Thailand and return to his country. The level of relations will be reviewed further.”