August 19, 2025
PHNOM PENH – Cambodia has once again issued categorical denials about repeated accusations from Thailand that it planted new landmines along their shared border, calling the claims unsubstantiated. It has now begun advocating for a joint, impartial investigation to address the issue.
Speaking at a press conference this morning, August 18, Senior Minister Ly Thuch, first vice-president of the Cambodian Mine Action and Victim Assistance Authority (CMAA), detailed the Kingdom’s compliance with the Ottawa Convention Anti-Personnel Mine Ban and its extensive mine clearance efforts.
“Cambodia has not, and will not, plant new landmines,” Thuch reiterated, pointing to the country’s track record of removing over one million landmines and nearly three million explosive remnants of war since joining the Mine Ban Treaty in 1999.
He dismissed Thailand’s allegations — centred on reported injuries to Thai soldiers from newly laid mines — as lacking credible evidence or any form of verification through a transparent investigation.
When pressed on why the international community should trust Cambodia’s position, Thuch said: “Our record speaks for itself. For decades, Cambodia has worked with the UN, ASEAN partners and the international mine action community. Independent monitors and donors know our work is transparent, technically sound and internationally recognised.”
He also rejected the possibility of unauthorised actions by Cambodian forces, emphasising that the military operates under strict command protocols and is adhering to the ceasefire agreement.
The ceasefire, established at a recent Cambodia-Thailand General Border Committee (GBC) meeting, includes commitments to maintain current troop deployments, halt patrols toward opposing lines and avoid escalatory actions.
“We call for a fact-based, impartial investigation involving both sides and, if necessary, international mine action experts. We will fully cooperate to establish the truth and prevent future incidents,” he stressed.
Thuch noted that Cambodia is not accusing Thailand of fabricating the claims.
“We are not assigning any motive. Until an independent investigation is completed, these allegations remain unproven and risk distracting from the shared goal of peace and safety,” he said.
He stressed Cambodia’s commitment to dialogue and collaboration with Thailand, ASEAN and global partners to ensure border safety and advance humanitarian demining.
With border demarcation ongoing, Thuch noted that demining efforts could proceed in non-disputed areas, as determined by the Joint Boundary Commissions (JBC). The issue is expected to be addressed at the next GBC meeting.
Before armed clashes broke out from July 24-28, two landmine explosion incidents took place, injuring several Thai soldiers. The Thai military used the incidents to escalate tension, leading to heavy fighting, including Thai airstrikes. On July 28, the day the Donald Trump-backed ceasefire took effect, another incident happened near the Ta Krabey Temple. It was followed by two other incidents, on August 9 and 12.
Although none of the incidents have been transparently and credibly investigated, Thai officials have shown landmines, some of them brand new, to foreign diplomats, seemingly offering them in support of their accusations against Cambodia. To date, no credible evidence has been forthcoming, however.