Cambodia has effectively recognized that it has breached an international anti-landmine agreement by admitting to the recent confiscation of arms by Thailand in a disputed border region, according to the Royal Thai Navy on Wednesday.

The Cambodian Ministry of the Interior alleged that the Thai military had ‘looted’ its weapons following the announcement of the seizure in Trat, an eastern province, according to Rear Adm Paraj Ratanajaipan, a navy spokesperson.

Although Phnom Penh acknowledges possession of the weapons, it challenges Thailand’s assertion regarding their location. The navy stated that the stockpile was found at the Thmor Da casino building, which is situated on Thai territory in Trat and was targeted by Thai forces during last month’s conflicts.

As stated by Rear Adm Paraj, the cache contained numerous anti-personnel mines created by modifying anti-tank mines and artillery shells. The casino building had previously been adapted for military purposes, according to Thai authorities.

The Cambodian Ministry of the Interior stated that the site featured in photos and videos shared by Thailand was actually a Border Patrol Police station located in Pursat province, situated just across the border from Trat.

“It lies completely within Cambodian territory and has no relation at all to the so-called ‘Thmor Da casino,’ ” the ministry stated in a release.

In any event, the Thai navy asserts that the report of the seizure demonstrated that Cambodia employed anti-personnel landmines in breach of the Anti-Personnel Mine Ban Convention, also known as the Ottawa Convention, which Cambodia has signed.

Rear Admiral Paraj called on Cambodia to adhere to the agreement and support the establishment of a climate conducive to achieving a peaceful resolution of its border dispute with Thailand.

The spokesperson also criticized Cambodia for launching a mortar shell into the Nam Yuen district of Ubon Ratchathani province on Tuesday morning.

He mentioned that the event, which resulted in a Thai soldier being injured, demonstrated the Cambodian government’s insincerity in upholding the ceasefire agreement the two nations signed on December 27.

Cambodia has stated that the event was an accident, noting that there was ‘no intention to shoot into Thai territory’ and that two of its own soldiers were also injured.

Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc.Syndigate.info).

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