Cambodia Accuses Thailand of Using Land Mine Dispute to Provoke Conflict

Cambodia has accused neighboring Thailand of using a debate over land mines to create a situation that could lead to armed conflict. The charge follows a recent statement from Thailand about a reported build-up of Cambodian troops. The diplomatic dispute centers on a mined area near the Preah Vihear temple, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Thailand recently claimed Cambodia was deploying troops and building structures in this contested border zone. A Cambodian government spokesperson called Thailand's statement "baseless." They asserted it was a deliberate attempt to mislead the international community and provoke a military response. Land mines along the shared border are a lasting problem from past conflicts. Both nations have committed to clearing them. Cambodia maintains its activities in the area are part of routine military rotations and demining work, not an escalation. The ancient Preah Vihear temple has been a source of tension for decades. An international court awarded it to Cambodia in 1962, but the surrounding territory remains disputed. Clashes between troops in the area have caused casualties in previous years.