AKP Phnom Penh, July 18, 2025 --

The Cambodian Mine Action and Victim Assistance Authority (CMAA) has firmly rejected recent Thai media reports alleging that Cambodia was responsible for a landmine incident that injured three Thai soldiers.

According to CMAA, several Thai news outlets—including The Nation, Bangkok Post, and Khaosod English—recently quoted senior Thai officials who claimed that three Thai soldiers were injured by landmines on July 16, 2025, at coordinates WA 220 861 (confirmed by the Thai side) in the Mom Bei area. The reports further alleged, without clear investigation or credible evidence, that the mines were newly planted by Cambodian forces.

In a press release issued on July 18, the CMAA stated, “Cambodia is a country that has suffered tremendously from landmines and explosive remnants of war. As such, Cambodia strongly condemns and firmly opposes the use, production, and stockpiling of landmines. We deeply regret every landmine-related tragedy, regardless of where it occurs or who is affected.”

The statement emphasised that under the visionary leadership of Samdech Techo Hun Sen, former Prime Minister and the “Father of Peace for the Cambodian people,” and Prime Minister Samdech Moha Borvor Thipadei Hun Manet, Cambodia has placed peace as a national priority and is committed to a mine-free world—one where future generations can live in safety and dignity.

Cambodia is a State Party to the Ottawa Convention (Convention on the Prohibition of the Use, Stockpiling, Production and Transfer of Anti-Personnel Mines and on Their Destruction), and has consistently fulfilled its international obligations. The CMAA noted that Cambodia is widely acknowledged by other States Parties for its high level of commitment and success in clearing anti-personnel mines and explosive remnants of war.

Cambodia chaired and hosted the 11th Meeting of the States Parties to the Ottawa Convention and the 5th Review Conference of the Ottawa Convention in 2024 or the Siem Reap-Angkor Summit for a Mine-Free World—both hailed as major successes.

On the matter of the injured Thai soldiers, CMAA reaffirmed Cambodia’s commitment to transparency, responsibility, and international norms. “Any conclusions or allegations regarding this incident must be based on clear investigations, verifiable evidence, and accurate information—not speculation or unfounded accusations,” the statement stressed.

Cambodia, the CMAA reiterated, remains fully committed to the 2000 Memorandum of Understanding in the cooperation along the border with Thailand, and to the transformation of the border into an area of peace, friendship, cooperation, and development.

The CMAA concluded by urging all parties to refrain from making premature or baseless accusations, and instead work together to investigate the incident while upholding a spirit of friendship, safety, and mutual respect—emphasising that “the true enemy of all of us is landmines.”

By C. Nika