(Phnom Penh): The Cambodian Mine Action and Victim Assistance Authority (CMAA) has taken note of reports circulated in Thai media regarding allegations of newly laid anti-personnel mines along the Cambodia–Thailand border. These allegations, once again, are being publicized without any official, jointly verified investigation report, and without consultation through agreed bilateral mechanisms.
"Cambodia firmly rejects any suggestion that its armed forces have laid new mines. Cambodia remains fully committed to its obligations under the Anti-Personnel Mine Ban Convention, the Kuala Lumpur Joint Declaration on 26 October 2025, and all bilateral mechanisms with Thailand," according to the statement seen by Fresh News on Tuesday (Nov. 25).
"Regarding the claimed “newly buried PMN-2,” Cambodia stresses that any assertion of a mine being newly emplaced must be supported by a formal technical report that includes verified photographs, proper chain-of-custody documentation, forensic soil-disturbance analysis, time-stamped GIS data, and an assessment by a neutral third-party mine action organization. No such report has been shared with Cambodia through any official channel.
Likewise, claims involving an alleged “Cambodian soldier’s phone” raise serious concerns regarding authenticity and chain of custody, as no information has been submitted through the General Border Committee (GBC) or Joint Coordinating Task Force (JCTF), nor has any request been made for Cambodia to verify digital materials, which are susceptible to alteration without proper forensic handling. Cambodia will only engage on evidence that is independently authenticated in a joint technical process.
As the party that sought ASEAN’s support and intervention, Cambodia values and appreciates ASEAN’s important role in facilitating dialogue and maintaining regional stability. However, Cambodia notes that no official report has yet been issued and emphasizes that it cannot accept any assessment that bypasses the procedures agreed upon within the ASEAN framework.
Cambodia reiterates its long-standing and consistent policy that it has not laid any new mines, remains steadfast in upholding its mine-free commitments, and fully supports a professional, scientific, and impartial approach to all reported incidents. Cambodia, therefore, calls for an immediate, jointly led investigation with the participation of neutral international experts to ensure an accurate and evidence-based assessment.
CMAA regrets that repeated Thai allegations are being released to national media before being shared through bilateral mechanisms. Such unilateral public communication undermines trust, provokes public misunderstanding, and complicates the work of our technical teams on the ground.
Cambodia remains committed to peaceful cooperation, transparency, and the safety of both Cambodian and Thai citizens."
=FRESH NEWS
