Cambodian Envoy Says Thailand’s Mine Allegations Linked to Old War-Era Explosives

GENEVA (Nov.22,2025) — Cambodia’s ambassador to the United Nations in Geneva said Friday that Thailand’s claim of a recent landmine incident involving Cambodian forces was tied to decades-old explosives rather than newly deployed devices.

Ambassador In Tara told UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Türk that tensions along the Cambodia-Thailand border “remain highly tense,” accusing Thai forces of repeated military aggression, pressure on civilians and property damage.

He also said Thailand had failed to return 18 Cambodian soldiers who were expected to be released. In Tara rejected Thailand’s allegation that Cambodian troops were responsible for a Nov. 10 mine blast, saying the explosion was consistent with remnants of earlier conflicts.

He called the accusation an attempt to justify suspending peace agreements. The envoy further alleged human rights abuses by Thai forces, including the shooting of unarmed Cambodian civilians — which he said left one dead and three injured — and the rape of a Cambodian migrant worker by men he identified as Thai soldiers.

He urged the UN rights office to investigate. He also criticized UN Special Rapporteur Vitit Muntarbhorn for what he described as inaction, saying Cambodia would “take appropriate measures” if the situation continued.