Thai soldiers sustaining injuries from a landmine detonation along the Cambodian border
Border Tensions Remain High Between Thailand and Cambodia
The current status of landmine use and the ceasefire between Thailand and Cambodia remains tense and unresolved as of August 2025. The recent conflict between the two nations resulted in at least 43 deaths, making it their deadliest clash in decades.
The clashes, which occurred over a five-day period, involved jets, artillery, rockets, and infantry battles. The most recent incident took place in northeastern Thailand's Sisaket province, where three Thai soldiers were wounded after stepping on a landmine in territory along the border with Cambodia. One soldier suffered a severe leg injury, another was wounded in the back and arm, and the third experienced extreme pressure damage to the ear.
Thailand accuses Cambodia of violating the ceasefire agreement and actively planting and using landmines in the border area, specifically around the Sisaket–Preah Vihear region. The Thai army's statement said that the mine explosion constituted "a significant obstacle to the implementation of ceasefire measures and peaceful resolution of problems." Thailand has presented evidence of Cambodian landmine deployment to international diplomats and has conducted ongoing clearance operations despite Cambodia's lack of cooperation.
Cambodia strongly denies these accusations, maintaining it has not planted new mines and emphasizing its long-standing commitment to the Ottawa Convention banning anti-personnel mines. Cambodia highlights its extensive mine clearance efforts since signing the treaty in 1999 and calls for a joint, impartial investigation to verify the facts instead of unilateral accusations. Cambodian officials emphasize their transparency and past collaboration with international mine action organizations as evidence against Thai claims.
Regarding the ceasefire, no official joint resolution or clear ceasefire restoration has been reported. The presence of landmines and unexploded ordnance in border areas like Chong An Ma keeps the situation hazardous, with international observers and the International Committee of the Red Cross involved in monitoring.
It is important to note that Cambodia is a party to the Anti-Personnel Mine Ban Treaty Convention and has an internationally recognized record of removing, not deploying, landmines. The Ottawa Convention, also known as the Anti-Personnel Mine Ban Treaty, is an international agreement banning the use of landmines. Both Thailand and Cambodia have committed to the Ottawa Convention.
The escalating dispute was marked by border crossing restrictions, cross-border boycotts, bans of goods and services, and eventually, fighting. Tensions had been simmering since May, when a Cambodian soldier was shot dead by Thai troops. A meeting of defense officials in Kuala Lumpur resulted in an extension of the ceasefire, which was brokered on July 29, following cajoling by US President Donald Trump. However, the incident just days after Thailand and Cambodia agreed to extend the ceasefire that ended a brief armed conflict has raised concerns about the fragility of the peace.
The incident marks the third such incident in less than a month, according to Thailand's foreign ministry. The Thai ministry stated that the recent landmine incident confirmed their findings of new landmines being laid in violation of international law. The Cambodian Mine Action and Victim Assistance Authority issued a statement denying that any new mines had been laid.
As the situation remains unresolved, both nations are urged to engage in dialogue and cooperate to ensure the safety of their troops and civilians. The international community is closely monitoring the situation and is hopeful for a peaceful resolution to the ongoing dispute.
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