Cambodia and Thailand Engage in War of Words Over Landmine Explosion

Strategic Insights -

A recent landmine explosion near Ta Krabei Temple, a heavily mined area from Cambodia's civil war, has sparked a renewed conflict between Cambodia and Thailand. The Cambodian Mine Action and Victim Assistance Authority (CMAA) has rejected Thailand's claims that Cambodian forces planted new landmines, stating that the incident was caused by long-standing contamination rather than new activity. The CMAA has emphasized Cambodia's commitment to the Ottawa Convention and its zero-tolerance policy on anti-personnel mines.

Key Takeaways:

  • The Cambodian Mine Action and Victim Assistance Authority (CMAA) has rejected Thailand's claims that Cambodian forces planted new landmines near Ta Krabei Temple, citing lack of clear investigation or credible evidence.
  • The CMAA stated that the incident was caused by long-standing contamination rather than new activity, and that Cambodia has not produced, used, or deployed new landmines since joining the Ottawa Treaty in 1999.
  • Cambodia has urged Thailand to share evidence for its claims and has called for calm, cooperation, and stronger humanitarian clearance efforts through existing bilateral mechanisms.
  • The Thai army claimed that three soldiers were injured in a landmine attack, but the CMAA maintains that the mines discovered by Thailand are remnants of past conflicts, not new deployments.
  • Five Thai soldiers have lost their legs and several others have been injured in landmine incidents since July.
  • International demining organizations, including Anti-Personnel Landmines Detection Product, Mines Advisory Group, and Halo Trust, have supported Cambodia's position that the mines are remnants of past conflicts.
  • The Ottawa Convention committee has officially recognized this fact.
  • Cambodia has reaffirmed its commitment to the ceasefire and has urged Thailand to adhere to the same spirit of peaceful resolution.
  • Cambodia has also called for the release of 18 Cambodian soldiers in Thai custody, urging Thailand to de-escalate tensions and engage constructively.

Statistics:

  • Five Thai soldiers have lost their legs in landmine incidents since July.
  • Three Thai soldiers were injured in the recent landmine attack near Ta Krabei Temple.
  • The Cambodian Mine Action and Victim Assistance Authority (CMAA) has stated that Cambodia has not produced, used, or deployed new landmines since joining the Ottawa Treaty in 1999.
  • The Ottawa Convention committee has officially recognized that the mines discovered by Thailand are remnants of past conflicts.
  • Since July, five landmine incidents have occurred along the Thailand-Cambodia border, resulting in injuries to several Thai soldiers.
  • Cambodia has urged Thailand to release 18 Cambodian soldiers in its custody, who have been detained for 31 days.

Sources:

  • "Cambodian Mine Action and Victim Assistance Authority (CMAA) Statement"
  • "Ministry of National Defence Statement"
  • "Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Spokesman Chum Sounry Statement"
  • "US President Donald Trump Letter to Prime Minister Hun Manet"
  • "Lieutenant General Maly Socheata Statement"
  • "August 27 Regional Border Committee meeting minutes"
  • "Ottawa Convention committee recognition of remnant mines"