Cambodia Denies Planting New Landmines, Reaffirms Commitment to Ceasefire

PHNOM PENH, Cambodia (Aug. 27, 2025) — Cambodia’s Ministry of National Defense expressed regret Wednesday over a landmine explosion that injured Thai soldiers along the border, while firmly denying any involvement in planting new mines.

In a statement, ministry spokespersons reiterated Cambodia’s adherence to the Ottawa Treaty, which bans the use of anti-personnel mines. Cambodia, a signatory to the treaty, said it has not deployed new mines and remains committed to international humanitarian obligations.

The ministry emphasized that remnants of landmines from Cambodia’s civil war era still exist along the border and have been repeatedly acknowledged in communications with Thailand and the international community.

Cambodia reaffirmed its commitment to the ceasefire agreement reached July 28 and the 13-point consensus adopted during the Aug. 7 General Border Committee (GBC) meeting between Cambodian and Thai officials. The agreement prohibits troop movements beyond current positions and bans patrols into disputed areas.

The statement also referenced the most recent Regional Border Committee (RBC) meeting between Cambodia’s Fourth Military Region and Thailand’s Second Army Region, held earlier Wednesday. Both sides agreed to build mutual trust, reduce tensions and resolve disputes peacefully through existing mechanisms.

Cambodia called on Thailand to uphold the ceasefire terms and the spirit of regional cooperation, urging both nations to avoid provocative actions and maintain military positions as agreed.

The ministry concluded by reaffirming Cambodia’s commitment to resolving border issues through peaceful means, in accordance with international law, United Nations principles and ASEAN charters.