Cambodia Reaffirms Full Compliance with Ottawa Convention and Rejects Allegations of New Landmine Use

Cambodia Reaffirms Full Compliance with Ottawa Convention and Rejects Allegations of New Landmine Use

Phnom Penh, November 11, 2025 (AKP) — The Ministry of National Defence of the Kingdom of Cambodia has expressed regret over the mine explosion incident that occurred on November 10, 2025, resulting in injuries to several Thai soldiers who were reportedly patrolling in a mine-contaminated area, remnants of past armed conflicts.

In its press release, the Ministry stated that it has taken note of recent reports in Thai media quoting statements from Thai leaders and military officials accusing Cambodia of laying new landmines, which allegedly caused injuries to Thai soldiers in Preah Vihear province. The Ministry of National Defence firmly rejects these baseless accusations, underscoring that they do not reflect the reality on the ground.

The Ministry reiterated that since becoming a State Party to the Anti-Personnel Mine Ban Convention (Ottawa Convention), Cambodia has strictly adhered to all its obligations and never used or placed new landmines that would endanger the safety of civilians or border personnel.

Despite Cambodia’s sustained efforts over past decades to clear landmines and unexploded ordnance (UXO) across its territory, remnants from past wars continue to pose risks in various areas — particularly along border regions with neighboring countries, including Thailand.

In this regard, the Ministry of National Defence urged the Thai side to avoid conducting patrols in known mine-contaminated zones, which are internationally recognized as dangerous areas left over from previous conflicts. This precaution, the Ministry stressed, would help prevent further incidents and avoid unnecessary tensions between the two nations.

According to the Cambodian 4th Military Region Command, following the incident, local military units from both sides communicated immediately, and the situation has since remained calm and stable, with no escalation reported.

Reaffirming its dedication to regional peace and bilateral cooperation, the Ministry of National Defence stated that Cambodia remains committed to maintaining peace, stability, and mutual understanding between Cambodia and Thailand, in line with the Joint Declaration signed by both Prime Ministers on October 26, 2025, in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.