The Cambodian Mine Action and Victim Assistance Authority (CMAA) has categorically rejected and dismissed allegations published by Thai media which accused Cambodia of planting new landmines on the border, calling the claims false and contrary to Cambodia’s principles.
In a press release issued on this evening, July 18, the CMAA stated that Cambodia is a country that has suffered heavily from landmines and explosive remnants of war. Therefore, Cambodia strongly condemns and opposes the use, production and stockpiling of landmines, and expresses condolences for all tragedies caused by landmines and explosive remnants of war, regardless of location or nationality.
The CMAA emphasised that Cambodia and its leadership uphold “peace” as the highest value and are committed to realising a vision of a mine-free world — ensuring that future generations can live in safety and dignity, free from the threats of landmines and explosive remnants of war.
Cambodia is a State Party to the Anti-Personnel Mine Ban Convention (the Ottawa Treaty) and has strictly fulfilled its obligations in accordance with both the letter and spirit of the treaty. The country has been recognised and is highly valued by other parties to the convention for its strong commitment and success in clearing and destroying all discovered anti-personnel landmines.
Regarding a recent incident in which Thai soldiers were injured by a landmine, the CMAA reaffirmed Cambodia’s commitment to transparency, accountability and compliance with international obligations. Cambodia expects that any conclusions or accusations related to the incident be based on a thorough investigation with sufficient evidence and factual accuracy — avoiding speculation or unfounded accusations.
The statement further emphasised Cambodia’s commitment to humanitarian principles and mutual respect. It also reaffirms its continued adherence to the 2000 memorandum of understanding on cooperation along the Cambodia–Thailand border, and to the principle of transforming border areas into zones of peace, friendship, cooperation and development.
“We categorically reject and dismiss the accusations made by certain Thai media outlets, and we call on all relevant parties to refrain from making conclusions or accusations without knowing the facts. We encourage cooperative investigations into this incident and urge the preservation of a spirit of friendship, safety and non-accusation—because our true enemy is the landmines themselves,” it added.
On July 16, Thai media reported that three Thai patrol soldiers were injured by a landmine in the Mom Bei area, causing one soldier to lose a leg. Initially, the commander of Thailand’s 2nd Army Region, Boonsin Phadklang, told Thai media that the mine was old. Today, however, Thai authorities announced that they were beginning an investigation into whether or not the mine was newly planted.
