Opinion: Thailand’s Dangerous Game of Accusations: Who’s Really the Victim?

Opinion: Thailand’s Dangerous Game of Accusations: Who’s Really the Victim?

Once again, Thailand has reached for its oldest trick in the book: playing the victim while quietly provoking conflict, twisting facts to serve a narrative that pleases domestic nationalism but disrespects international truth.

The latest allegations from the Thai military – accusing Cambodia of planting new landmines along the border – are not just false and unfounded, but dangerously provocative. The Cambodian Mine Action and Victim Assistance Authority (CMAA) has categorically denied these claims on 18 July 2025, reminding the region and the world that Cambodia has upheld its commitment under the Ottawa Treaty, also known as the Mine Ban Treaty. Thailand, however, seems to use such claims as a distraction from its own failings and aggressive posture along the border.

A History of Landmine Suffering — and Responsibility

Cambodia is one of the most heavily mined countries in the world, and we know this because we live with the scars — not only in our soil, but in our communities, our families, and our future. The landmines that continue to maim and kill innocent Cambodians are remnants of wars we did not start, and battles waged on our territory — some of which were dropped or planted by foreign forces, including Thai military units during past incursions and border clashes.

And yet, Thailand now accuses Cambodia — a country that has been internationally praised for its demining efforts — of planting new landmines? It is an insult not only to the Cambodian government and the CMAA, but to the thousands of Cambodian deminers and international partners who have sacrificed time, funds, and even lives to remove these deadly relics.

A Smokescreen for Thai Militarization

What this really is, is a smokescreen. While falsely accusing Cambodia, Thailand continues to militarize contested border areas, mobilize troops near civilian zones, and stir up nationalist sentiment through its media and military commanders.

Thai commanders know exactly what they’re doing. They exploit public emotion by twisting facts, labeling Cambodia as the aggressor, all while Thailand’s own armed forces receive donations and support from local ultra-nationalists for “border protection.” But what are they protecting? Or more accurately — what are they preparing for?

This propaganda not only risks escalating tensions, it deliberately undermines bilateral mechanisms and disrespects ASEAN norms of peaceful negotiation and mutual respect.

A Pattern of Provocation

This is not an isolated incident. Whether it’s false landmine accusations, distorted historical claims over temples and heritage, or hostile rhetoric over border posts, Thailand has demonstrated a consistent pattern: provoke, accuse, deny responsibility, then claim victimhood.

It is classic information warfare — feed your public a lie, push your military presence forward inch by inch, then blame the neighbor when tensions rise. Cambodia has stayed patient for too long, and now the international community needs to recognize this dangerous game.

Cambodia Will Not Be Silent

Cambodia, under the leadership of Prime Minister Hun Manet, has shown great restraint and commitment to peace. The CMAA’s transparency, the UN-recognized progress of Cambodia’s demining operations, and our open cooperation with international NGOs and partners prove one thing clearly: Cambodia is not hiding anything. Thailand, on the other hand, is hiding behind lies.

If Thailand truly cared about peace, it would stop weaponizing misinformation and start respecting truth. If it truly cared about victims of landmines, it would focus on clearing its own minefields rather than making accusations across the border.

Thailand may play the victim, but its actions are those of a provocateur.

And Cambodia — a victim of real landmine horror — will not be blamed for crimes we did not commit, nor provoked into a war we do not want.

Roth Santepheap is a geopolitical analyst based in Phnom Penh. The views expressed are his own.