Cambodia has once again firmly rejected allegations from the Thai side regarding injuries sustained by a Thai soldier in a mine explosion near Tamone Thom Temple on Aug. 12.
Speaking at a press briefing at 11:00 a.m. today, H.E. Lt. Gen. Maly Socheata, Under Secretary of State and Spokesperson for the Ministry of National Defence, strongly dismissed any accusations lacking clear evidence, stressing that Cambodia had no involvement in the incident at Tamone Thom Temple, Banteay Ampil district, Oddar Meanchey province.
“Cambodia maintains its firm stance that it has absolutely not and will not use or plant any new landmines,” she affirmed.
She further noted that Cambodia has repeatedly reminded Thailand that the area still contains explosive remnants of war. Therefore, all parties should refrain from drawing public conclusions before the facts are established, in order to uphold justice and avoid misunderstandings that could heighten tensions or lead to confrontation.
To verify and ensure the full and effective implementation of the ceasefire, the spokesperson urged Thailand to cooperate in expediting the establishment of the ASEAN Observer Team, led by Malaysia.
H.E. Pen Bona, Head of the Royal Government Spokesperson Unit, echoed H.E. Lt. Gen. Maly Socheata’s remarks, stressing that since becoming a party to the Anti-Personnel Mine Ban Convention, Cambodia has strictly adhered to its commitments by not deploying new landmines. Instead, the country has destroyed large quantities of existing anti-personnel mines and unexploded ordnance (UXO).
He added that Cambodia actively participates in UN peacekeeping missions and contributes to mine clearance operations in various countries. Cambodia takes pride in its demining achievements, the destruction of anti-personnel mines and UXO, and in sharing its expertise with other nations.
“In this sense, Cambodia’s reputation rests on demining and mine destruction, not on planting new ones,” he emphasised.
