BANGKOK, Thailand – The Royal Thai Army has criticized Cambodia’s position on landmine clearance, arguing it undermines international confidence and breaches the spirit of the ceasefire agreement. The response followed comments by Cambodian Defense Ministry spokesperson Lt Gen Maly Sojeata, who claimed mine clearance could only occur in fully demarcated or undisputed areas as determined by the Joint Boundary Commission. Cambodia also asserted that the Regional Border Committee lacked the authority to resolve the issue, saying it should instead be raised at the General Border Committee meeting.
Army spokesperson Maj Gen Winthai Suwaree said this stance effectively acknowledged Cambodia’s use of landmines against Thailand. He argued that tying clearance to the “full implementation” of a ceasefire was contradictory, since landmines themselves obstruct peace and security along the frontier.
Thai officials point to repeated injuries among soldiers and the discovery of PMN-2 mines in areas formerly occupied by Cambodian forces as evidence that the weapons remain in active use. Clearance operations earlier this month revealed both deployed and undeployed devices, which were shown to international observers.
Maj Gen Winthai also criticized Cambodia for presenting itself internationally as committed to humanitarian mine action while continuing to evade responsibility on the ground. Despite receiving substantial donor funding for demining efforts each year, Cambodia has yet to act in line with its stated obligations.
The army warned that such conduct damages Cambodia’s credibility with countries that are party to the Ottawa Convention and with international donors who expect accountability in demining operations. Thailand maintains that unless Cambodia changes course, its global standing will continue to erode. (NNT)
