Cambodia Accuses Thailand of “Unverified” Landmine Allegations, Urges Dialogue Over Confrontation

GENEVA, (Dec. 5, 2025) — Cambodia rejected what it called “unverified and unsubstantiated” landmine allegations by Thailand at the Twenty-Second Meeting of States Parties to the Anti-Personnel Mine Ban Convention, warning that political confrontation will not resolve tensions along their shared border.

Speaking at the Palais des Nations, the Cambodian delegation questioned whether any State Party had ever launched military action against a neighbor based solely on unverified mine incidents — a situation it said Cambodia has recently endured.

Phnom Penh said Thai armed forces had taken military action in recent months following accusations that Cambodia planted new mines. Cambodia denied the claims, saying they lacked impartial or legally grounded investigation.

“These unsubstantiated claims erode mutual trust and undermine the spirit of integrity, fairness and good neighborliness that guide all States Parties,” the statement said.

Cambodia criticized Thailand for invoking Article 8.2 of the treaty — a compliance mechanism — without first exhausting dialogue under Article 8.1. “This shortcut demonstrates neither good faith nor honesty,” the delegation said, warning that bypassing procedures risks escalating confrontation.

The delegation emphasized Cambodia’s humanitarian record, noting it has not laid mines since joining the treaty and highlighting its internationally recognized clearance operations. Sympathy for victims of recent incidents, it said, “must not replace truth.”

Cambodia urged all States Parties to uphold the cooperative spirit of the Convention and called on Thailand to return to dialogue. “Let us ensure peace and stability for our peoples, now and for generations to come,” the statement said.

Reaffirming its desire for peaceful coexistence, Cambodia reminded the Assembly of the nations’ enduring ties: “Cambodia and Thailand have been neighbors for centuries, and we will remain neighbors for centuries ahead.”

The statement closed with a diplomatic appeal: “Family members can be separated, but neighbors never — so let us love our neighbors as ourselves.”