The Thai military has once again accused Cambodian forces of laying new landmines — an accusation similar to ones made prior to the outbreak of armed clashes in 2025. The Cambodian Mine Action and Victim Assistance Authority (CMAA) rejected the accusations outright, reiterating that Cambodia is committed to its obligations under the Ottawa Convention.
In a statement issued today, February 11, the CMAA noted that Thai media and social network posts have quoted Thai military sources claiming they discovered an anti-personnel mine in a border area earlier today.
The CMAA responded by restating that Cambodia has upheld its obligations under all disarmament agreements and remains fully committed to the total eradication of anti-personnel mines.
“Based on the national database and technical experience in mine clearance in border areas, we assess that any anti-personnel mine discovered in such areas is highly likely to be a legacy device remaining from one of the past conflicts that affected the region for decades,” it said.
“Cambodia does not produce, stockpile or lay new anti-personnel mines and maintains strict national controls consistent with its international commitments. In this regard, dissemination without clear sources or without proper investigation and verification may cause misunderstanding and could increase unnecessary tensions,” it warned.
Cambodia remains ready to engage transparently through bilateral and international mechanisms to clarify the facts and prevent any misunderstanding. Humanitarian mine action should serve the shared interest of protecting civilians and promoting lasting stability along the border, it said.
Prior to the clashes that erupted in both July and December, the Thai military repeatedly referred to two pretexts to level accusations against Cambodia: alleging that Cambodia laid new landmines, and claiming they were suppressing online scams.
