Cambodia’s Ministry of National Defense has strongly denied allegations by the Thai military claiming that Cambodian forces recently planted new landmines along the border. The ministry said the recent explosion that injured Thai soldiers occurred in an area still contaminated with old mines left over from Cambodia’s civil war.
Defense Ministry spokesperson Maly Socheata said in a statement that the November 10 explosion, which wounded several Thai soldiers, happened after they entered an old minefield inside Cambodian territory. She emphasized that the incident had nothing to do with any new military activity, but was the result of unexploded ordnance from decades past.
The spokesperson noted that despite years of clearance operations, remnants of war continue to endanger civilians in many parts of Cambodia and neighboring countries, particularly in border zones. She reaffirmed that since joining the Ottawa Convention, Cambodia has fully complied with its international obligations and has never laid new mines that could threaten human life or peace.
Maly Socheata urged Thai troops to avoid entering known mine-contaminated areas, especially zones recognized by international agencies as legacy minefields, to prevent further accidents that could escalate tensions between the two countries.
Earlier today, Thailand’s The Nation newspaper quoted Thai army spokesman Winthai Suvaree as saying that Cambodian troops had “secretly planted new mines” in the Huai Ta Maria area, injuring four Thai soldiers during a patrol. He described the incident as a serious violation of the Cambodia–Thailand Joint Peace Declaration.
Thai reports claimed the blast was caused by newly planted mines, calling it a “clear breach of the peace accord” and “a sign of renewed hostility.”
Meanwhile, Thailand’s Khaosod newspaper reported that on November 11, the Thai National Security Council approved the suspension of the joint peace declaration and authorized military operations, urging Cambodia to take responsibility for the incident.
Reuters quoted Thai Foreign Minister Sihasak Phuangketkeow as saying that Thailand would brief the United States and Malaysia on its decision to suspend the agreement following the mine explosion.
In response, The Star cited Malaysian Armed Forces Commander Mohd Nizam Jaffar, who warned that halting the peace agreement could raise tensions between Cambodia and Thailand to dangerous levels reminiscent of past border clashes. He reaffirmed Malaysia’s firm commitment to maintaining the peace process and continuing efforts toward a lasting ceasefire.
