AKP Phnom Penh, August 18, 2025 --

H.E. Heng Ratana, Director General of the Cambodian Mine Action Centre (CMAC), has dismissed Thailand’s accusations against Cambodia over recent landmine incidents, presenting technical evidence to demonstrate their baselessness.

“The clearest case often cited by Thailand occurred on July 16, 2025. […] The Thai side claimed that the explosion was caused by a newly-laid PMN-2 mine inside Thai territory. In reality, the blast took place well within Cambodian territory—approximately 300 metres inside the French-Siamese border line,” he said at a press conference on “Cambodia’s Stance Against Landmines” in Phnom Penh this morning. 

From a technical perspective, he explained, the evidence does not support Thailand’s claim. If the explosion had truly been caused by a PMN-2 mine, the victim would not have sustained only ankle amputations. Cambodia’s extensive experience shows that PMN-2 blasts almost always result in the loss of both legs, and often in fatal injuries.

According to H.E. Heng Ratana, on July 17, Thai troops attempted to enter the site of the explosion for inspection. Cambodian forces stationed there did not permit entry, as the site lies squarely within Cambodian territory. The Thai troops remained at the border line and never accessed the blast location. Therefore, their claim that new mines were discovered at the scene is categorically false, as they never reached the area.

“This sequence of facts clearly proves that Thailand’s accusations are baseless and without evidence,” the CMAC Director General emphasised. 

By Phen Rattanak