Cambodia Reaffirms Commitment to Demining Amid Thailand’s Misleading Claims

Cambodia Reaffirms Commitment to Demining Amid Thailand’s Misleading Claims

Recent statements by the Royal Thai Army accusing Cambodia of using landmines along the border misrepresent facts and risk inflaming tensions between the two countries. Cambodia remains committed to demining and to abiding by agreements that ensure regional peace and safety.

On August 17, Thai military spokespeople suggested that Cambodia’s statements at the Regional Border Committee (RBC) meeting indicated “offensive landmine use.” In reality, Cambodia clearly stated that landmine clearance must proceed in line with the ceasefire agreement and only in clearly demarcated or undisputed areas, as jointly agreed by the Joint Boundary Commission (JBC). This is a responsible and internationally consistent approach, ensuring that demining is safe, transparent, and coordinated.

Thailand’s portrayal of this position as a “confession” of wrongdoing reflects a broader information strategy. Assertions of “abundant and evident proof” of Cambodian mine-laying have never been independently verified. Cambodia has consistently welcomed international monitoring mechanisms to ensure transparency, demonstrating its commitment to allowing the world to witness the truth on the ground.

Cambodia’s track record speaks for itself. Since joining the Ottawa Convention in 1997, Cambodia has destroyed landmine stockpiles, cleared millions of square meters of contaminated land, and supported thousands of victims through humanitarian programs. These efforts have made Cambodia a global example of responsible post-conflict demining. To suggest that Cambodia is currently using landmines offensively is inconsistent with decades of documented action and undermines international humanitarian norms.

Moreover, misinformation about Cambodia’s demining efforts risks damaging international confidence and could affect the continued support of humanitarian partners. Maintaining accurate reporting and fostering transparency are essential not only for regional security but also for sustaining the trust of the international community, which has supported Cambodia’s demining work for decades.

The upcoming General Border Committee (GBC) meeting is the proper forum to discuss border security and demining operations. Escalating unverified accusations in the media does little to advance dialogue or peace. Cambodia remains committed to cooperation, transparency, and adherence to established mechanisms.

Rather than promoting misinformation, both countries have an opportunity to strengthen peace and stability along the border. Cambodia’s focus remains on humanitarian progress, adherence to ceasefire agreements, and continued collaboration with the international community. Words alone cannot demonstrate commitment; Cambodia’s actions over decades speak far louder, proving that it prioritizes peace, safety, and regional stability.

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