Cambodia Denies Thai Drone Allegations, Reaffirms Commitment to Peaceful Border Relations

PHNOM PENH, Cambodia (Sept.18, 2025) — Cambodia’s Ministry of National Defense has rejected recent accusations by Thai authorities alleging the use of drones and landmines along the shared border, calling the claims “unfounded and baseless.”

In a statement released Wednesday, ministry spokeswoman Lt. Gen. Maly Socheata said Cambodia has not deployed drones or planted new mines in the area, and remains fully compliant with the Ottawa Convention banning anti-personnel mines.
“These false accusations not only escalate tensions but also significantly undermine mutual trust and confidence,” Socheata said.

The denial follows Thai claims that Cambodian forces violated border protocols, prompting renewed scrutiny of the fragile ceasefire agreement signed in July.

Kin Phea, director-general of the International Relations Institute at the Royal Academy of Cambodia, also dismissed the allegations, accusing Thailand of repeated violations.

“In fact, it is the Thai side that has breached the ceasefire,” Phea said, citing arrests of Cambodian soldiers, unauthorized fence construction, and forced evictions of civilians.
He suggested Thailand’s actions may reflect deeper political motives, including territorial ambitions and efforts to deflect domestic pressure.

“Thailand seems intent on misleading the international community by painting Cambodia as the aggressor,” he said.