CMAA Slams Thai Army’s “False” Landmine Claims

Chinese National Injured in Landmine Blast After Illegally Crossing Thai–Cambodian Border

Phnom Penh, 30 November 2025 — The Cambodian Mine Action and Victim Assistance Authority (CMAA) has issued a strong rejection of recent accusations by the Royal Thai Army alleging the deployment of new landmines along the Cambodia–Thailand border.

The statement comes after a Chinese national, Mr. Shi Jingui (Passport No. 2356975263), was injured on 29 November 2025 while attempting to cross from Thailand into Cambodian territory at Chouk Chey Village, O’Bei Choan Commune, O’Chrov District, Banteay Meanchey Province. According to CMAA, the individual entered a known mine-contaminated zone containing remnants of explosive ordnance from decades of past conflict.

CMAA extended its deep sympathy to the injured civilian and expressed its hope for his full recovery. However, it emphasized that claims by the Thai side suggesting newly laid mines are “categorically false”, “politically sensationalist”, and “not supported by any verified investigation”.

“Cambodia has not laid any new landmines — not today, not in recent decades, and not under any circumstances,” CMAA stressed.

As a long-standing and fully compliant State Party to the Ottawa Treaty, Cambodia neither produces nor deploys anti-personnel mines and has achieved globally recognized progress toward a mine-free border.

CMAA challenged the Thai army’s narrative with a direct question:

“If new mines exist, who placed them? Cambodia does not possess or use landmines.”

The Authority confirmed that no formal investigation findings have been shared with Cambodia, ASEAN, or any relevant international mechanism. It urged Thailand to adhere to professional, governmental channels if credible evidence exists — and to refrain from unilateral public accusations or social media statements that distort facts and inflame public sentiment.

“Cambodia regrets any harm caused to any individual regardless of nationality; however, we will not accept fabricated allegations, nor the undermining of our decades-long commitment to peace and humanitarian mine action,” CMAA asserted.

Reaffirming its unwavering dedication to peaceful border management and international law, Cambodia called for a joint, independent, evidence-based inquiry to ensure transparency and prevent further misinformation.