The Navy revealed that a large number of anti-personnel and modified mines were found in the "Ban Nong Ree" area, including maps showing the layout of the minefield, serving as clear evidence that Cambodia has violated international law.
On 29 Dec 2025 GMT+7, Rear Admiral Parach Rattanachaiphan, Navy spokesperson, stated that the Navy’s Chanthaburi and Trat Border Defense Command has been controlling and clearing the area around Ban Nong Ree (Sam Lang Village). Over recent days, the Navy’s humanitarian mine action unit (Unit 2) has continuously discovered numerous anti-personnel and modified mines in the area.
Previously, the Navy’s mine action unit, together with marine engineering troops from the Marine Corps Command, found crucial evidence including an operating manual for the PMN-2 anti-personnel mine and maps showing minefield placements surrounding Ban Nong Ree base. This evidence clearly aligns and directly links to the deployment of Cambodian military forces in the area.
All the evidence cannot be interpreted as "old leftover mines from the past," as the Cambodian government has repeatedly claimed. Rather, it clearly confirms that the Cambodian military has intentionally and systematically used and stockpiled anti-personnel mines.
These actions constitute a serious violation of international humanitarian law and breach Cambodia’s obligations under the 1997 Ottawa Convention banning the use, stockpiling, production, and transfer of anti-personnel mines. Cambodia is a party to this treaty and must strictly comply. Given the concrete facts and evidence, Cambodia’s previous explanations do not align with the actual situation on the ground, raising serious doubts about the credibility of their statements in the international community.
The Navy will continue to carefully inspect, clear, and collect evidence while adhering firmly to international law principles to ensure the highest level of safety for personnel and the public.
