AKP Phnom Penh, July 23, 2025 --

The Ministry of National Defence of the Kingdom of Cambodia has categorically rejected what it calls baseless allegations made by the Thai side regarding the injury of five Thai soldiers caused by a landmine explosion in An Ses village, Choam Ksan commune, Choam Ksan district, Preah Vihear province, on July 23, 2025.

The rejection was issued in an official statement this evening by Lieutenant General Maly Socheata, Spokesperson for the Ministry of National Defence.

Lieutenant General Socheata clarified that Cambodia has repeatedly warned Thailand that the area in question still contains numerous unexploded landmines left over from past war. She urged the Thai side to respect the agreement on patrol routes as outlined in the 2000 Memorandum of Understanding (MoU 2000) between the two countries.

“It is extremely regrettable that the Thai side not only fails to take responsibility for its own aggressive actions but also falsely accuses Cambodia of violating international law, while Cambodia is, in fact, the unjust victim of Thailand’s violations,” she stressed.

Lieutenant General Socheata reaffirmed the unwavering commitment of the Ministry of National Defence and the Royal Cambodian Armed Forces to uphold the Cambodian Government’s policy of peacefully resolving disputes in accordance with international law. 

At the same time, she emphasised Cambodia’s readiness to protect its sovereignty, territorial integrity, and the safety of its people, declaring that Cambodia will never allow any foreign country to encroach upon its territory—regardless of the cost.

By C. Nika