"Thai Deputy Defense Minister Condemns Cambodia Over Landmine Incident Injuring Thai Soldiers; Keo Remy, however, warned, 'Please do not walk like a crab.'" | BREAKING: Tensions Escalate: Thai Troops Prepare to Launch Unauthorized Attack on Cambodian Territory Amid Internal Political Strife | Cambodia Rebuts Thailand’s Baseless Landmine Allegations and Urges Diplomacy to Maintain Regional Peace | Cambodia Accuses Thailand of Using Landmine Incidents as a Political Tool and Violating Ceasefire Agreements | Breaking: Kandal Provincial Police Arrest Notorious Lotion Manufacturer Love Riya | Cambodia Clarifies Misleading Claims About Ottawa Convention Meeting in Bangkok | Cambodia, China, and Thailand Discuss Regional Cooperation and Border Disputes at Mekong-Lancang Meeting | Smile Asia Philanthropic Visionary Award” Presented to Dr. Pich Chanmony Hun Manet | Cambodia & Thailand Call for Restraint and Adherence to International Agreements | International Observer Team Conducts Monitoring Visit Following Cambodia–Thailand Ceasefire Agreement | Cambodia, Vietnam Strengthen Ties in High‑Level Video Conference; Aim for $20B Trade |
"Thai Deputy Defense Minister Condemns Cambodia Over Landmine Incident Injuring Thai Soldiers; Keo Remy, however, warned, 'Please do not walk like a crab.'" | BREAKING: Tensions Escalate: Thai Troops Prepare to Launch Unauthorized Attack on Cambodian Territory Amid Internal Political Strife | Cambodia Rebuts Thailand’s Baseless Landmine Allegations and Urges Diplomacy to Maintain Regional Peace | Cambodia Accuses Thailand of Using Landmine Incidents as a Political Tool and Violating Ceasefire Agreements | Breaking: Kandal Provincial Police Arrest Notorious Lotion Manufacturer Love Riya | Cambodia Clarifies Misleading Claims About Ottawa Convention Meeting in Bangkok | Cambodia, China, and Thailand Discuss Regional Cooperation and Border Disputes at Mekong-Lancang Meeting | Smile Asia Philanthropic Visionary Award” Presented to Dr. Pich Chanmony Hun Manet | Cambodia & Thailand Call for Restraint and Adherence to International Agreements | International Observer Team Conducts Monitoring Visit Following Cambodia–Thailand Ceasefire Agreement | Cambodia, Vietnam Strengthen Ties in High‑Level Video Conference; Aim for $20B Trade |

Government Spokesperson: Thailand Using Landmine Allegations as Pretext for Invasion

Phnom Penh, July 24, 2025 — Mr. Pen Bona, Minister Delegate to the Prime Minister and Chief Spokesperson for the Royal Government of Cambodia, has accused Thailand of using landmine incidents and other border-related issues as a pretext to escalate tensions and initiate military action against Cambodia.

Speaking at a press conference on Thursday afternoon at the Office of the Council of Ministers, Pen Bona recounted that the current conflict was triggered by a fatal shooting incident on May 28, 2025, when a Cambodian soldier stationed in a trench in the Mom 3 area was shot and killed by Thai forces.

He alleged that in the lead-up to the current armed conflict, Thailand repeatedly accused Cambodia of various provocations, including the presence of landmines, barbed wire installations, and military deployments near the border.

“Before launching military operations, Thailand used multiple accusations to blame Cambodia,” Pen Bona said. “They claimed our troops were laying new landmines, but our Ministry of National Defense and Ministry of Foreign Affairs clearly confirmed that no new mines were planted. The area in question is part of Cambodian territory where mines from previous conflicts still remain. Thai troops entered via an unauthorized route instead of using the designated pathway.”

He further accused the Thai side of deliberately escalating tensions through unilateral actions, such as the temporary closure of border crossings, and threats to cut electricity, internet services, fuel supplies, and gas. The situation worsened, he said, after Thailand claimed its troops were injured by landmines inside Cambodian territory.

“On July 23, Thailand announced a ban on tourism and unilaterally closed the Ta Moan Thom Temple, which marked the start of direct hostilities,” Pen Bona said. “Later that night, Thai forces installed barbed wire around the temple area. By morning, they opened fire on Cambodian troops, initiating combat.”

Despite the ongoing conflict, Pen Bona praised the resilience and strength of the Cambodian armed forces.

“Our soldiers have shown extraordinary bravery on the battlefield,” he stated. “Throughout the day, our forces maintained the upper hand and continue to defend Cambodian territory from foreign aggression.”

The Cambodian government continues to call for international attention and condemnation of what it characterizes as a violation of its sovereignty.


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