Cambodia Analysts Accuse Thailand of War Crimes, Reject “Landmine Scenario”

PHNOM PENH, Cambodia (Dec. 4, 2025) — Cambodian analysts and officials are accusing Thailand of fabricating a “landmine scenario” to conceal what they describe as brutal acts, violations of international law, and alleged war crimes along the border.

Political science expert Kin Phea said Thailand’s repeated claims of newly planted landmines are “a provocative and misleading attempt to divert attention from its own violations.”

He alleged Thai forces have committed “serious breaches of international law,” including the use of cluster munitions, artillery strikes on civilian areas, and F-16 fighter jet attacks on the UNESCO-listed Preah Vihear Temple.

Phea further accused Thai troops of using chemical weapons inside Cambodian territory, illegally detaining 18 Cambodian soldiers, and opening fire on civilians, killing one and injuring another.

“Thailand has committed war crimes and crimes against humanity,” he said. “Their landmine accusation is simply an attempt to distract the world from their own cruelty.”

Lt. Gen. Maly Socheata, spokesperson for Cambodia’s Ministry of National Defence, rejected Thailand’s allegations as an effort to mislead the international community and justify encroachment into Cambodian territory.

She stressed Cambodia’s compliance with the Ottawa Convention banning landmines and urged Thailand to “immediately stop using false claims as a pretext to violate Cambodia’s sovereignty.”

Youk Chhang, director of the Documentation Center of Cambodia, said any credible investigation must examine all weapons used in the conflict zone, including cluster munitions and chemical agents.

He warned that selective probes would allow Thailand “another opportunity to distort or avoid evidence.”

Chhang added that Thailand remains in violation of a U.S.-brokered agreement to end hostilities and continues to detain Cambodian soldiers, showing Bangkok “prioritizes political interests over humanitarian obligations.”

On Dec. 3, Thailand’s 2nd Army Area claimed a landmine explosion occurred in Huai Tamaria the previous day, accusing Cambodia of planting the device. Thailand’s foreign minister has also alleged Cambodia is responsible for “newly laid landmines” along the border.