AKP Phnom Penh, December 14, 2025 -- Cambodia has raised serious concerns over Thailand’s justification for recent military actions along the Cambodian-Thai border, rejecting claims that landmines were the cause of cross-border operations and renewed hostilities.

In a statement addressing the issue, H.E. Dr. Ly Thuch, Senior Minister and First Vice President of the Cambodian Mine Action and Victim Assistance Authority (CMAA), argued that there is no precedent in modern international relations for a country to launch artillery attacks, airstrikes, or military incursions into a neighbouring state solely in response to a landmine incident. 

Mine accidents, when they occur, are addressed through investigation, technical verification, and cooperation—not artillery, airstrikes, or cross-border military operations, he added. 

According to H.E. Dr. Ly Thuch, no joint investigation has been conducted regarding the alleged mine incidents. No neutral experts were invited, no evidence was examined collaboratively. Cambodia formally requested transparency and third-party verification. Those requests were refused.

The CMAA First Vice President also highlighted civilian casualties during a ceasefire period less than two weeks ago, during which several Cambodian civilians were reportedly shot, killed, or injured. He expressed concern that these incidents have not been acknowledged in recent public narratives surrounding the conflict.

"Cambodia seeks peace, but peace must be built on truth, not repetition of unverified claims. Our sovereignty, our civilians, and our dignity are not negotiable," H.E. Dr. Ly Thuch underlined.

If Thailand genuinely believed that mines posed a risk in contested areas, a basic question must be asked: “Why were standard military engineering procedures not followed? Why were routes not checked, cleared, or verified by combat engineers before troop deployment—procedures that every professional army follows in suspected mine-affected areas?”

These inconsistencies raise serious concerns about the credibility of the mine narrative, he said, reaffirming that Cambodia has not laid new mines, has repeatedly called for investigation, and has adhered to international conventions.

“When allegations replace evidence, and force replaces process, the issue is no longer mines—it is intent,” he stressed. 

By Heng Panha