Thailand 'Pauses' Joint Declaration with Cambodia After Mine Incident

BANGKOK, Nov 12 (TNA) - Thailand's Foreign Minister Sihasak Puangketkaew confirmed to foreign envoys that Thailand has "paused," or "suspended," the recent Joint Declaration with Cambodia, clarifying the move is a "Pause" and not a cancellation.
The decision follows an incident where Thai soldiers were injured by a landmine in the Chong Ta Maria border area in Si Sa Ket province.
The Minister stated that Thailand now reserves the right to take necessary action to protect its sovereignty, and the suspension's duration depends on Cambodia's response. While envoys generally understood the decision, there were some expressions of worry regarding a potential escalation of the situation, with calls for a return to dialogue and negotiations.
The Thai side also outlined its plan to engage the international community under the framework of the Ottawa Convention (Anti-Personnel Mine Ban Convention).
Thailand will submit letters to Japan, the current Chair of the Meeting of the States Parties to the Convention, and the United Nations Secretary-General.
Letters will also be sent to the United States and Malaysia, who served as witnesses to the signing of the Joint Declaration between Thailand and Cambodia. 
Separately, Thailand's security agencies plan to brief the ASEAN Observer Team (AOT) and will invite them for a visit to the disputed border area soon. -819 (TNA)