The Thai military is escalating the situation, threatening to use military force against Cambodia after a landmine explosion injured three Thai soldiers.
Expanding the issue with Cambodia will not benefit Thailand’s national interests, but on the contrary, it will further tarnish Thailand’s reputation on the international stage, in addition to the loss of good relations with neighboring countries and economic losses, especially for Thai people living along the border with Cambodia. It would be beneficial for both countries and peoples if Thailand had the integrity to resolve the border issue with Cambodia and reopen the border.
According to multiple Thai news reports on July 20, General Bun Sin, commander of the Royal Thai Army Region 2, said that Thailand was prepared both diplomatically and militarily to respond to Cambodia. The Thai military said it had found more new landmines on the border with Cambodia after a landmine injured three Thai soldiers. Thailand has accused Cambodia of planting the mines, although Cambodia has denied it and said it is not afraid of international legal action.
It was hard to believe when the Thai military announced that The mines were planted in their own territory by Cambodia. Is the Thai military really so weak that it allowed Cambodian soldiers to plant mines in its territory? Does Cambodia have any reason to plant mines in Thai territory, risking their lives due to Thai military patrols?
No matter how you look at it, there is no point in Cambodia entering Thai territory to plant mines. So far, Cambodia has not done anything, while Thailand has started everything from the shooting, to the border closure, and finally, the landmine issue. The Cambodian Mine Action Authority has already stated, namely since the report that three Thai soldiers were injured by landmines on July 16, 2025 at the Mom Se border, that it is an intentional and baseless accusation.
The Cambodian Mine Action Authority states that Cambodia is a country that has suffered greatly from landmines and explosive remnants of war, therefore Cambodia condemns and firmly opposes the use, production, and storage of landmines. Cambodia also expresses its regret for the tragedy caused by mines and explosive remnants of war, wherever they are and to whatever nation.
Cambodia is a State Party to the Anti-Personnel Mine Ban Treaty and has consistently implemented its obligations as well as the norms and spirit of the Treaty. Cambodia is recognized and highly valued by the States Parties to the Ottawa Convention as a State Party with high commitment and success in clearing and destroying all types of anti-personnel mines.
In short, no matter how the Thai side plays this territorial politics, Cambodia will always be able to stand firm, and the leaders and people of all classes have already strengthened their united stance in protecting the integrity and sovereignty of Cambodia.
