Cambodia has firmly denied Thailand’s accusations of border encroachment, stating that such claims undermine recent progress made at the General Border Committee (GBC) meeting. The Cambodian Ministry of Foreign Affairs stressed that civilians on both sides have lived and cultivated un-demarcated areas for decades, and disputes should be resolved through the Joint Commission for Demarcation of Land Boundary (JBC), based on the 2000 Memorandum of Understanding.
The ministry urged Thailand to avoid inflaming tensions with unverified reports and reaffirmed Cambodia’s commitment to restraint, adherence to the ceasefire, and peaceful negotiations. It also emphasized that “borders must not be changed by force,” calling for dialogue at the upcoming JBC meeting.
Tensions have grown following violent incidents in disputed zones, where Thai security forces clashed with Cambodian villagers during attempts to install barbed-wire fencing, leaving dozens injured. Cambodian officials labeled the act a violation of sovereignty and human rights, while Thai authorities defended their actions as necessary for border defense.
At the military level, Cambodia’s Ministry of National Defence dismissed allegations of provocations, insisting that gunfire reported along the border originated from the Thai side. Cambodian forces, it said, remain committed to the ceasefire and continue communication efforts to prevent escalation.
Provincial leaders from both countries have traded blame, with Cambodian officials urging Thailand to respect agreements and halt unilateral actions until disputes are settled. Civil society leaders also warned that inflammatory rhetoric could fuel hostility and derail peacebuilding efforts.