The Defense Ministry spokesperson rebutted Trump's claim, stating that stepping on landmines was not accidental but a deliberate attack, and preparations are underway to gather evidence for international legal action.
On 13 Dec 2025 GMT+7, Rear Admiral Surasarn Kongsiri, Defense Ministry spokesperson, responded to U.S. President Donald Trump's remark that Thai soldiers stepping on landmines was accidental. He urged everyone to reconsider whether it was truly an accident. He explained that Thai soldiers' duty is to protect sovereignty through patrols and area inspections, but laying landmines is intentional since landmines are weapons, not toys. Moreover, Thai soldiers had already cleared mines in the area.
Rear Admiral Surasarn viewed Cambodia's actions as deliberately provocative. He noted that the civilian in Sisaket province who lost an arm from an attack with Cambodian weapons was not an accident but a deliberate assault on civilians by Cambodia. He expressed regret over the loss suffered by the people and said evidence will be compiled to file complaints and clarify the matter on the international stage.
Army Deputy Spokesperson Colonel Richcha Suksuwan added that Cambodian soldiers’ use of BM-21 rocket launchers was knowingly aimed at civilian areas. According to military principles, such weapons require training and understanding of their limitations. He considered Cambodia’s claim that the rockets targeted Thai military bases but accidentally hit civilians as clearly intentional. Thailand will respond to diminish Cambodia’s troop strength and military capabilities.
The army deputy spokesperson also addressed the Prasat Khao case in Surin province, where conflicting information remains. After Thailand fully secured the area, Cambodia launched a concentrated attack there, forcing Thai forces to temporarily adjust their deployment and prepare to retake the area.