Defence Ministry Denies Thailand’s Baseless Allegations over Landmine Incident

Defence Ministry Denies Thailand’s Baseless Allegations over Landmine Incident

Phnom Penh, July 23, 2025:

Lieutenant General Maly Socheata, Under Secretary of State and Spokesperson for the Ministry of National Defense Kingdom of Cambodia, has categorically rejected the unfounded accusations made by the Thai side against Cambodia, in connection with the injury of Thai soldiers caused by a landmine explosion in An Seh village, Choam Ksan commune, Choam Ksan district, Preah Vihear province, Cambodia, on July 23, 2025.

The Ministry of National Defense of the Kingdom of Cambodia hereby fully denies the baseless accusations from the Thai side regarding the injury of five Thai soldiers caused by a landmine explosion in An Seh village, Choam Ksant commune, ChoamKsant district, Preah Vihear province, Cambodia, on July 23, 2025. Cambodia has repeatedly reminded the Thai side that these areas still contain many landmines left over from past wars, which have not yet been fully cleared. Cambodia has urged Thailand to refrain from actions contrary to the mutual understanding outlined in the 2000 Memorandum of Understanding (MOU 2000) regarding the use of agreed paths for patrols.

It is deeply regrettable that the Thai side has not only failed to take responsibility for its aggressive actions but has also gone as far as accusing Cambodia of violating international law—even though Cambodia itself is the unjust victim of Thailand’s violations.

The Ministry of National Defense Kingdom of Cambodia and the Royal Cambodian Armed Forces continue to act in accordance with the decisions of the Royal Government of Cambodia to resolve such issues through peaceful means and in accordance with international law. Cambodia stands fully prepared to defend its sovereignty, territorial integrity, and the safety of our citizens —without allowing any foreign country to encroach on our territoryunder any circumstances, and at any cost.