Cambodia Says Thailand Using Mine Claims as Cover for Civilian Bombings

PHNOM PENH, Cambodia (Dec.23, 2025) — Cambodia has accused Thailand of exploiting humanitarian mine action narratives to mask what it calls ongoing military aggression against civilians, warning that such tactics threaten the integrity of international humanitarian law.

In a strongly worded statement, the Cambodian Mine Action and Victim Assistance Authority (CMAA) condemned Thailand’s continued military operations inside Cambodian territory and described a coordinated campaign of disinformation aimed at deflecting scrutiny.

Officials said Thailand has circulated unverified images and unilateral claims about landmines while carrying out cross border attacks, including aerial bombardments by F 16 fighter jets. Cambodian authorities reported strikes near civilian communities that caused casualties, mass displacement and the destruction of homes, schools, hospitals and religious sites.

“Disinformation, no matter how frequently repeated, cannot conceal the reality of bombs falling on civilian areas,” the CMAA said, rejecting Thailand’s allegations as unsupported by independent verification.

The statement also raised concern over credible reports of Thailand’s use of cluster munitions and toxic gas, weapons the CMAA said are indiscriminate and could constitute war crimes if confirmed.

Cambodia urged the United Nations and ASEAN to condemn attacks on civilians and reject disinformation. “The credibility of international law depends on action, not silence,” the CMAA said.