AKP Phnom Penh, February 26, 2026 --

The Cambodian Mine Action and Victim Assistance Authority (CMAA) has called for careful, objective, and responsible handling of reports concerning the discovery of anti-personnel mines along the Cambodia-Thailand border.

In a statement issued on Thursday, the CMAA reaffirmed Cambodia’s full commitment to its obligations under the Ottawa Convention, stressing that the country has not laid any new anti-personnel mines. The authority said Cambodia’s position on the matter has been consistent, transparent, and unequivocal.

According to the CMAA, border areas between the two countries remain historically contaminated due to decades of past conflict, with legacy landmines and unexploded ordnance continuing to be discovered on both sides. This situation, it said, highlights the need for sustained clearance efforts and constructive bilateral cooperation.

The CMAA further stated that any unilateral preservation of evidence, investigation, determination of findings, or public presentation of conclusions by Thai authorities constitutes unilateral action and cannot be considered definitive. It emphasised that issues of such sensitivity require joint technical verification carried out in a transparent, professional, and cooperative manner.

The authority noted that if concerns arise, the appropriate approach is to rely on jointly agreed mechanisms for technical assessment and verification. Cambodia, it said, remains ready to cooperate constructively and transparently, with the safety of civilians and border communities as the top priority.

The CMAA also underscored that mine action should not be politicised, stressing that its core purpose is to save lives, reduce humanitarian risks, and promote peace and mutual trust. Cambodia reaffirmed its commitment to dialogue, cooperation, and continued joint efforts toward a safe, stable, and clearly demarcated border.

By C. Nika