Senior Minister Ly Thuch, first vice-president of the Cambodian Mine Action and Victim Assistance Authority (CMAA), has reiterated that when mine-related incidents occur, they must be resolved through investigation, technical verification and cooperation, not through the use of heavy artillery, airstrikes, or cross-border military operations.
His remarks were in response to recent Thai claims. They continue to insist that landmines are the cause of their military actions against Cambodia, “even now, during so-called peace talks”.
Accompanied by photographs showing the Spean Chey Chumnas Bridge cut into two sections, the destruction of pagodas and hotels by F-16 fighter jets, displacement camps, and the image of a one-legged amputee, he wrote on his social media page: “Let us examine this claim calmly and logically. There is no precedent in modern history of a country bombing or invading its neighbour because of a mine incident”.
“In this case, no joint investigation has ever taken place. No neutral experts were invited. No evidence was examined collaboratively,” he said.
Cambodia has formally requested transparency and third-party verification. Those requests were refused.
Despite this, Thailand proceeded with military action. More troubling still, during the ceasefire less than two weeks ago, several Cambodian civilians were shot, killed and injured, he added.
This fact has been conveniently ignored in recent narratives. If Thailand genuinely believed that mines posed a risk in contested areas, a basic question must be asked: Why were standard military engineering procedures not followed? Why were routes not checked, cleared, or verified by combat engineers before troop deployment — procedures that every professional army follows in suspected mine-affected areas?
These inconsistencies raise serious concerns about the credibility of the mine narrative.
Cambodia has not laid new mines. Cambodia has repeatedly called for investigations. Cambodia has adhered to international conventions. When allegations replace evidence, and force replaces process, the issue is no longer mines — it is intent.
“Cambodia seeks peace, but peace must be built on truth, not repetition of unverified claims. Our sovereignty, our civilians and our dignity are not negotiable,” he said.
The bridge also known as Spean Me Teuk, is located in Thmor Da commune, Veal Veng district, Pursat province. It was destroyed by the Thai air force on Saturday, December 13. Hang Chuon Naron, Minister of Education, Youth and Sport, described the destruction of the bridge as an “act of terrorism”.
