Cambodian Defense Ministry Urges Thailand to Honor Ceasefire Terms After Border Mine Incident

PHNOM PENH, Cambodia (Aug. 28, 2025) — Cambodia’s Ministry of National Defense has called on Thailand to fully honor all terms and conditions outlined in the ceasefire agreement and related meetings, including commitments made during the Regional Border Committee (RBC) discussions to refrain from troop movements.

The statement follows a landmine incident on Aug. 27 near Ta Krabey Temple, where a Thai soldier was severely injured after stepping on a mine, resulting in the loss of part of his lower right leg. The Royal Thai Army has since accused Cambodia of deploying new landmines in violation of the Ottawa Treaty and the ceasefire agreement.

During a daily press briefing, Lt. Gen. Maly Socheata, spokesperson for the Ministry, expressed regret over the incident and extended sympathy to the injured soldier. However, she firmly rejected the allegation, reaffirming that Cambodia has not used or planted new landmines and remains fully compliant with the Ottawa Treaty, to which it has been a State Party since 2000.

Socheata emphasized that the area in question remains heavily contaminated by explosive remnants of war from Cambodia’s past civil conflicts. She noted that Cambodia has repeatedly informed both Thailand and the international community of the ongoing risks in these border zones.

The Ministry reiterated Cambodia’s unwavering respect for the ceasefire agreement and called on Thailand to uphold its commitments, including maintaining current troop deployments and avoiding any further escalation.