Cambodia rejects Thailand’s claim of using new mines to provoke conflict

Cambodia rejects Thailand’s claim of using new mines to provoke conflict

Cambodia has firmly denied Thailand’s allegations concerning the use of new landmines or stockpiles that allegedly caused casualties among Thai military personnel.

During a press conference held today, Senior Minister Ly Thuch of the Cambodian Mine Action and Victim Assistance Authority emphasised Cambodia’s commitment to the Ottawa Convention and highlighted the country’s significant achievements in landmine clearance.

He said that Cambodia, profoundly impacted by the legacy of landmines, categorically rejects these allegations from Thailand.

Thuch firmly dismissed allegations that Cambodia is deploying new landmines, asserting that the country already has a sufficient stockpile and considers them a major threat to its citizens.

He highlighted Cambodia’s leadership in the global landmine clearance effort and stressed that the area where Thai soldiers were injured contains remnants from past conflicts, continuing to pose dangers to civilians.

Thuch also criticised the Thai military for making unsubstantiated claims and suggested that the landmine issue has been politicised to justify military actions in Cambodia.

He stated that there are still areas along the border containing unexploded mines that Cambodia continues to clear. Previously, the CMAA collaborated with CMAC to carry out mine clearance projects, supported by Australia, New Zealand, Korea, and the UNDP. Warning signs have also been posted for many years to mark these areas as dangerous and mined, ensuring that people exercise caution and avoid entering them.