Cambodia Accuses Thailand of Using Landmine Incidents as a Political Tool and Violating Ceasefire Agreements

PHNOM PENH, August 14, 2025 – Pen Bona, spokesperson for the Cambodian government, has sharply criticized Thailand, accusing the neighboring country of manipulating the landmine explosion issue to cast itself as the victim and mislead the international community. Speaking at a press briefing, Bona emphasized that recent landmine incidents are part of Thailand’s ongoing efforts to breach the ceasefire agreement by moving forces into contaminated zones that remain from Cambodia’s past conflicts.

Bona pointed out that Thailand’s actions run counter to commitments made in the 13-Point Agreed Minutes from the extraordinary Cambodia-Thailand General Border Committee (GBC) meeting held on August 7, 2025, in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. Among these, he highlighted two particularly critical points that Cambodia has consistently reaffirmed and been committed to uphold.

The first is Point 2:  which states that “both sides are in agreement to maintain their current troop deployments without further movement as it is at the time the ceasefire was reached at 24:00 hours (local time) on 28 July 2025.” This clause also emphasizes that “there shall be no troop movements including patrol towards the other side’s position.” Bona stressed Cambodia’s strict adherence to this point, calling on Thailand to do likewise and refrain from any troop movements that could reignite tensions.

The second is Point 4: which affirms that “both sides agree not to undertake provocative actions that may escalate tensions,” explicitly banning “military activities to enter the other side’s air space, territory, or positions as of the ceasefire from 24:00 hours on 28 July 2025.” It also prohibits “constructing or enhancing any military infrastructure or fortifications beyond their own side.” Bona emphasized Cambodia’s unwavering commitment to these principles and urged Thailand to honor their obligations under the agreement.

Bona expressed deep concern over recent military movements by Thailand into the border zones—a move he said directly violates these agreed terms and threatens regional stability. He urged Thailand to respect the commitments made by both sides and to refrain from provocative actions that could escalate the situation further.

Cambodia remains committed to peaceful dialogue and is calling for continued adherence to diplomatic agreements. The government emphasizes that maintaining stability along the border is essential for regional peace and urges all parties to act in good faith to resolve disputes diplomatically.

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