The Cambodian Mine Action and Victim Assistance Authority (CMAA) has refuted a statement issued today, August 9, by the Thai foreign ministry, accusing Cambodia of laying new landmines.
The Thai military claimed that three soldiers who were preparing to lay new barbed wire — which may be a breach of the current ceasefire agreement — were injured in a landmine explosion this morning.
The CMAA reiterated that Cambodia’s position is unequivocal.
“We have not, and will not, plant new landmines. Cambodia is a proud State Party to the Anti-Personnel Mine Ban Convention, which it ratified in 1999, and has an internationally recognised record of removing, not deploying, these indiscriminate weapons,” it said.
It noted that over the past three decades, Cambodia has cleared more than one million mines and nearly three million explosive remnants of war, saving countless lives and restoring land to communities.
According to the CMAA, no official, transparent investigation has been carried out regarding the reported incident involving the Thai soldiers. In the absence of verified facts, it is essential that all parties exercise restraint in public statements.
“Unsubstantiated accusations not only risk undermining the spirit of cooperation established under the ceasefire but also threaten to erode trust at a moment when constructive engagement is most needed.
“Cambodia hopes that the Thai side will respect the points agreed upon at the extraordinary meeting of the Cambodia-Thailand General Border Committee (GBC), especially point two, which states that both sides maintain current troop deployments without further movement, including patrolling towards the other side’s position,” it said.
The CMAA expressed their readiness to work with Thailand, ASEAN partners and the international mine action community to uphold peace and promote safety.
“Cambodia reaffirms absolute compliance with the Mine Ban Treaty, commitment to peace, dialogue and technical cooperation, and rejection of any action or narrative that undermines the ceasefire,” it said.
