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CMAA Refutes Thai Allegations of Newly Laid Mines, Calls for Joint, Evidence-Based Investigation

Terry Felix​​​​   On November 26, 2025 - 3:14 am​   In Asia Pacific  
CMAA Refutes Thai Allegations of Newly Laid Mines, Calls for Joint, Evidence-Based Investigation CMAA Refutes Thai Allegations of Newly Laid Mines, Calls for Joint, Evidence-Based Investigation

Phnom Penh, 25 November 2025 – The Cambodian Mine Action and Victim Assistance Authority (CMAA) has issued a firm statement rejecting recent allegations circulating in Thai media claiming that new anti-personnel mines have been laid along the Cambodia–Thailand border.

According to the CMAA, these accusations continue to be publicized without any official, jointly verified investigation, and without prior consultation through established bilateral mechanisms.

Cambodia Strongly Rejects Claims of New Mines

The CMAA reaffirmed that Cambodia has not laid any new mines, and remains fully committed to:

  • The Anti-Personnel Mine Ban Convention,
  • The Kuala Lumpur Joint Declaration of 26 October 2025, and
  • All relevant bilateral mechanisms with Thailand.

The statement stressed that any claim of “newly buried PMN-2 mines” must be supported by scientific, verifiable evidence, including:

  • Properly verified photographs,
  • Chain-of-custody documentation,
  • Forensic soil disturbance analysis,
  • Time-stamped GIS coordinates, and
  • Assessment by a neutral third-party mine action organization.

“No such report has ever been submitted to Cambodia through any official channel,” the CMAA emphasized.

Concerns Over “Phone Evidence” and Absence of Forensic Verification

The CMAA also raised strong concerns regarding Thai claims involving an alleged “Cambodian soldier’s phone.”
The statement noted that no information regarding this device has been shared through:

  • The General Border Committee (GBC),
  • The Joint Coordinating Task Force (JCTF),
  • Or any other agreed verification mechanism.

Given the lack of forensic chain of custody and the ease with which digital materials can be altered, Cambodia stated it cannot consider any such claim credible unless it undergoes joint technical authentication.

ASEAN’s Role Acknowledged, but Procedures Must Be Respected

As the party that requested ASEAN’s involvement, Cambodia reaffirmed its support for ASEAN’s role in maintaining regional stability.
However, Cambodia noted that no official ASEAN report has been released, and stressed that it will not accept any assessments that bypass agreed procedures within the ASEAN framework.

Call for Immediate Joint Investigation with Neutral Experts

Cambodia reiterated its longstanding position:

  • It has not laid new mines,
  • It upholds all mine-free commitments, and
  • It supports a professional, scientific, and impartial approach to all reported incidents.

The CMAA called for an immediate, jointly led investigation, with the participation of neutral international experts, to ensure that all findings are accurate, credible, and evidence-based.

Thailand’s Public Accusations “Undermine Trust”

The CMAA expressed regret that Thai authorities continue to release allegations to domestic media before providing them through official channels.

Such unilateral communication, it stated, undermines trust, fuels misunderstanding among the public, and complicates the work of the technical teams deployed along the border.

Cambodia Reaffirms Commitment to Peace and Safety

Cambodia concluded by reaffirming its commitment to:

  • Peaceful cooperation,
  • Transparency, and
  • The safety of both Cambodian and Thai citizens.

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