Cambodia Rejects Thailand’s Claims Over Landmine Incident

PHNOM PENH, Cambodia (Dec. 01, 2025) — Cambodia’s Ministry of National Defence has rejected allegations by Thailand that a landmine blast injured a Chinese national along the border in Banteay Meanchey province.

The ministry said the explosion, which occurred at 3:20 a.m. on Nov. 29 near Chouk Chey village in O’Beichoan commune, O’Chrov district, took place inside a Cambodian minefield contaminated with decades-old ordnance from past conflicts. The Royal Cambodian Armed Forces’ 5th Military Region inspected the site following the incident.

Thailand identified the victim as Shi Jingui, a Chinese national holding passport number 2356975263. Cambodia’s Ministry of Interior, however, said the individual does not appear in the country’s entry or exit records.

“The Ministry of National Defence of the Kingdom of Cambodia rejects all allegations made by the Thai side,” the statement said on November 30.

It added that Cambodia has “never laid new mines” and continues to clear remnants of past conflicts to protect civilians and support socio-economic development. Cambodia also participates in UN-led demining initiatives.

The ministry noted ongoing joint humanitarian demining along the border, conducted by the Cambodian Mine Action Centre and the Thailand Mine Action Centre under the Joint Coordination Task Force. Both sides are assessing pilot zones and reporting steady progress.

Cambodia urged Thailand to honor existing agreements, stressing that all border demining must be carried out through the task force and follow agreed procedures.

The ministry reaffirmed its commitment to peace, stability, and good neighborly relations, citing the Joint Declaration on the Peace Deal signed by Cambodia and Thailand on Oct. 26, 2025.