Cambodia Challenges Thailand’s Mine Narrative, Demands Evidence-Based Accountability

PHNOM PENH, Cambodia (Dec. 14, 2025) — Cambodia on Sunday rejected Thailand’s claims that alleged landmine incidents justified artillery fire, airstrikes and cross-border military operations, calling the explanation unprecedented and lacking credibility.

Dr. Ly Thuch, senior minister and first vice president of the Cambodian Mine Action and Victim Assistance Authority, said no precedent exists in modern international relations for a country to respond to a mine incident with large-scale military force against a neighbor.

“Mine incidents, when they occur, are addressed through investigation, technical verification and cooperation — not artillery, airstrikes or military incursions,” Thuch said.

He noted that no joint investigation has been conducted into the alleged mine incidents cited by Thailand. Cambodia formally requested transparency, independent verification and the involvement of neutral experts, but those requests were rejected.

Thuch said Cambodian civilians were killed and injured during a recent ceasefire period, incidents he said have not been acknowledged in public narratives surrounding the conflict.

“Cambodia seeks peace, but peace must be built on truth, not the repetition of unverified claims,” he said. “Our sovereignty, our civilians and our dignity are not negotiable.”

Questioning Thailand’s explanation, Thuch asked why standard military engineering procedures were not followed if mines were genuinely suspected. Professional armies, he said, routinely deploy combat engineers to survey, clear and verify routes before troop movement in mine-affected areas.

“These inconsistencies seriously undermine the mine narrative,” he said, reaffirming that Cambodia has not laid new mines, remains committed to international conventions on mine action and continues to call for independent investigation.

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