Officials Reject Thai Allegations, Defend CMAC Chief Amid Border Mine Dispute
PHNOM PENH, Cambodia — Tensions between Cambodia and Thailand escalated this week after Thai military officials accused Heng Ratana, the Director General of the Cambodian Mine Action Centre (CMAC), of fabricating stories about landmines along their shared border. The allegations, which claim that Cambodia secretly planted landmines causing casualties among Thai soldiers, have sparked a sharp response from Cambodian officials.
The controversy began when a Thai Army spokesman accused Ratana of misleading the international community and distracting attention from what Bangkok describes as Cambodian forces’ planting of landmines. According to Thai officials, these mines caused harm to Thai troops in the disputed border area.
However, Cambodian officials have firmly rejected the claims. They stressed that Ratana’s comments at the 22nd Meeting of the States Parties to the Ottawa Convention on Landmines were based on verifiable data and technical expertise developed through decades of work in mine clearance. Ratana, who has over 30 years of experience in mine action, is widely recognized for his leadership in clearing landmines in Cambodia and his commitment to international demining standards.
Expertise Over Accusations
Cambodian authorities pointed out that Ratana, although not a diplomat, is an expert in the technical field of mine clearance. They emphasized that his comments were grounded in the operational realities documented by Cambodian mine clearance teams in the region. One Cambodian official remarked, “The Thai general cannot claim to have the expertise of DG Ratana. When it comes to respecting international law, Cambodia has consistently acted within the bounds of these principles.”
Cambodian officials also highlighted the longstanding military actions by Thailand along the border, including land seizures and incidents of violence against Cambodian civilians. They argued that the dispute over landmines should be based on technical evidence, not political claims.
Call for Joint Investigation
The Cambodian government has repeatedly called for a joint investigation into the landmine allegations, urging both countries to focus on factual verification, not political rhetoric. “The focus should be on technical verification and transparency, not accusations,” one official said. “Cambodia is open to collaborating on investigations, and we have suggested international oversight to ensure fairness.”
Cambodia has made significant progress in clearing landmines over the years through CMAC and in collaboration with international partners. Despite these efforts, the landmine issue remains a major concern in the region, especially along the Cambodia-Thailand border.
Ongoing Border Tensions
This latest dispute adds to the ongoing tensions between the two countries over territorial issues, particularly the Preah Vihear Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage site. While both nations have signed agreements to resolve border disputes, military skirmishes and accusations continue to complicate diplomatic relations.
Cambodian officials stress that their commitment to demining and regional stability remains strong. Cambodia has consistently advocated for peaceful dialogue and international cooperation, rather than using military force or political posturing to settle disputes.
A Commitment to Peace
As the situation unfolds, both countries face growing pressure to resolve the issue peacefully and transparently. Cambodia continues to advocate for a peaceful solution, emphasizing the importance of evidence-based discussions and joint investigations. With the involvement of international bodies, there is hope that both sides can work toward a resolution that upholds international law and ensures the safety of civilians on both sides of the border.
