Cambodia Rejects Thai Landmine Claims, Downgrades Diplomatic Ties

PHNOM PENH — Cambodia has forcefully denied Thai allegations that its forces planted new landmines along the shared border, accusing Bangkok of provocation and announcing a formal downgrading of diplomatic relations in response.

The dispute follows two landmine blasts—on 16 and 23 July—in Preah Vihear province, which injured Thai soldiers near the frontier. Thai authorities claimed the explosions were caused by newly planted PMN-2 anti-personnel mines, but Cambodian officials insist the incidents occurred in a known, uncleared minefield within Cambodian territory.

The Cambodian Mine Action and Victim Assistance Authority (CMAA) rejected the claims as “baseless”, citing forensic evidence that the injuries were inconsistent with a PMN-2, which contains four times the explosive yield of mines suspected in the blast. The CMAA confirmed the site lies within minefield BS/CMAA/16808—long documented and part of Cambodia’s wartime legacy.

Senior Minister Ly Thuch, CMAA’s First Vice President, accused Thai leaders of exploiting the incident to distract from domestic political issues. “We are exhausted from the danger of landmines,” he said. “Cambodia has cleared over a million mines and remains fully committed to peace.”

The Cambodian Ministry of National Defense echoed the stance, saying the injured Thai troops had crossed into Cambodian land. Lieutenant General Mali Sucheata condemned the “provocative actions” of Thai forces and reiterated Cambodia’s adherence to the 2000 border agreement.

As tensions mounted, both countries moved to reduce diplomatic ties. After Thailand recalled its ambassador from Phnom Penh and expelled Cambodia’s envoy from Bangkok, Cambodia reciprocated by ordering all diplomatic staff home and lowering engagement to the “Second Charge d’Affaires” level.

The CMAA stressed that political blame games threaten vital cross-border mine clearance efforts. “False accusations undermine cooperation,” Ly Thuch warned.

With the border now the scene of rising diplomatic and military strain, analysts say a return to dialogue is crucial. But for now, decades-old mines continue to ignite new disputes—and deepen a dangerous rift between neighbours.

-2025-07-24