Cambodia Denies New Landmine Allegations
Phnom Penh, Cambodia – August 9, 2025 – Recent allegations from Thailand accusing Cambodia of planting new landmines along their shared border have been firmly denied by the Cambodian government Senior Minister and First Vice President of the Cambodian Mine Action and Victim Assistance Authority (CMAA), H Ly Thuch, addressed these claims in an exclusive interview, emphasizing Cambodia’s unwavering commitment to maintaining peace and stability in the region The accusations, which surfaced earlier this week, cite alleged incidents of landmine detonations near the border, resulting in injuries to Thai civilians Thai officials have pointed fingers at Cambodia, prompting a swift and strong rebuttal from Phnom Penh Thuch categorically denied any involvement, stating that such actions would be a direct violation of Cambodia's commitment to regional peace and its ongoing efforts in mine clearance These allegations are baseless and unfounded," Dr
Thuch stated. Cambodia has been a staunch advocate for mine action and victim assistance, both domestically and within the ASEAN framework.
We are committed to a peaceful resolution of border issues and would never undertake actions that undermine this commitment The Cambodian government has called for a joint investigation into the incidents, proposing the formation of a neutral fact-finding team composed of international experts and representatives from both countries This proposal aims to establish a transparent and objective assessment of the situation, ensuring that any findings are credible and impartial The initiative highlights Cambodia's willingness to cooperate fully and transparently with its neighbor in addressing the concerns The border between Cambodia and Thailand has a long and complex history, marked by periods of conflict and tension However, in recent years, significant progress has been made in improving bilateral relations and fostering a more peaceful environment The current dispute underscores the ongoing challenges in managing a historically volatile border region Beyond the immediate dispute, the allegations raise broader concerns regarding the ongoing presence of landmines in Southeast Asia Many countries in the region continue to grapple with the legacy of past conflicts, and the presence of these deadly remnants poses a significant threat to civilian populations Cambodia's own history is replete with the devastating impact of landmines, making its commitment to mine action all the more significant Current SituationThe international community, particularly ASEAN members, are closely monitoring the situation The potential for escalation is present, and a swift and diplomatic resolution is crucial to prevent further damage to bilateral relations and maintain regional stability The outcome of this dispute will be closely watched as a test of the commitment of both countries to diplomatic processes and regional peace The statement by Dr Thuch serves not only to address the immediate allegations but also to underscore Cambodia's broader strategy of promoting regional peace and security
Background
The commitment to a joint investigation and the emphasis on regional cooperation offer a path towards de-escalation and long-term stability along the Cambodia-Thailand border The successful resolution of this dispute will be pivotal for maintaining peace and trust within the ASEAN framework Furthermore, it serves as a critical reminder of the lasting impacts of landmines and the importance of ongoing mine clearance efforts throughout the region The international community will continue to watch the developments closely, hoping for a peaceful and lasting resolution This incident highlights the complexities and sensitivities involved in managing border disputes in Southeast Asia The need for open communication, transparent investigations, and robust regional cooperation mechanisms remains paramount to prevent such incidents from escalating and disrupting the hard-won peace in the region The Cambodian government’s commitment to cooperation is a positive step towards de-escalation, but the resolution of this issue will depend on the collective effort and goodwill of both Thailand and Cambodia The next steps in the investigation will be critical in determining the source of the landmines and holding those responsible accountable The international community will continue to provide support in mine action and conflict resolution, contributing to the ongoing efforts to build lasting peace in Southeast Asia
