The Ministry of National Defence has expressed condolences regarding an August 27 landmine explosion that resulted in injuries to a Thai soldier at the Cambodia-Thailand Border area. The ministry also reminded Thailand and the international community that Cambodian territory along the border is still scattered with landmines left over from past wars.
The ministry statement came after the Thailand Second Army Region reported the incident, which took place near Ta Krabey temple, and again pointed the finger at Cambodia, accusing its forces of laying new mines.
“The defence ministry of Cambodia reaffirms that it has not used or placed any new landmines and remains fully committed to the Ottawa Convention on the Prohibition of Anti-Personnel Mines, to which it is a state party,” it said.
It reiterated that Cambodia maintains its firm, clear-cu, and unwavering commitment to respect and implement the July 28 ceasefire, as well as the 13-point Agreed Minutes reached during the August 7 extraordinary meeting of the Cambodia-Thailand General Border Committee (GBC).
“Cambodia calls on Thailand to honour all terms and conditions stipulated in the ceasefire agreement. There shall be no troop movements including patrols towards the other side’s positions,” it said.
The ministry added that Cambodia is committed to respect the outcome of the Regional Border Committee on August 27, which both parties agreed to commit to de-escalating tensions and maintaining peace along the border. When problems arise, both parties shall work together to resolve them through existing mechanisms.
“Cambodia urges that Thailand adhere to the same spirit. Cambodia reaffirms its stance to resolve the issues peacefully, in good faith, in accordance with international law, the UN Charter and the ASEAN Charter,” it added.
