Cambodian Expert Accuses Thai Foreign Minister of Distorting Evidence on Border Munitions

PHNOM PENH, Cambodia (Dec. 3, 2025) — A leading Cambodian researcher has accused Thai Foreign Minister Sihasak Phuangketkeow of distorting evidence related to munitions used in the recent border conflict, warning that any proposed fact-finding commission will only be credible if it conducts a comprehensive and unrestricted investigation.

Youk Chhang, director of the Documentation Center of Cambodia, said a meaningful inquiry must examine all categories of controlled weapons found in the conflict zone — including cluster munitions, chemical weapons and landmines — to advance regional peace and uphold international legal standards.

He cautioned that a limited or selective probe would give Thailand “another opportunity to distort or avoid evidence” concerning alleged violations of international law. Chhang added that Thailand remains in breach of a U.S.-brokered agreement to end hostilities and continues to detain 18 Cambodian soldiers, which he described as evidence of Bangkok placing political interests above humanitarian obligations.

“Peace requires a stable and mature government capable of honoring its commitments,” he said, adding that Thailand’s credibility in the peace process depends on its willingness to fulfill obligations to Cambodia, the United States, Malaysia and ASEAN.

The remarks follow Cambodia’s rejection of claims made by Thailand’s foreign minister in a Nikkei Asia report alleging Phnom Penh is responsible for “newly laid landmines” along the border.

Cambodian authorities dismissed the allegations as “baseless, unilateral and contrary to verified facts.” The Cambodian Mine Action and Victim Assistance Authority reaffirmed that Cambodia has not used anti-personnel mines since joining the Ottawa Mine Ban Convention more than two decades ago, stressing its compliance through decades of transparency, cooperation and extensive clearance operations.