AKP Phnom Penh, August 26, 2025 --

Cambodian residents in Chork Chey village, O’ Beichoan commune, O’ Chrov district, Banteay Meanchey province stood united on the afternoon of Aug. 25 in response to Thai military forces’ attempt to lay a barbed-wire fence.

The attempt was strongly resisted by Cambodian landowners and local residents until the Thai forces withdrew their barbed wire, H.E. Lt. Gen. Maly Socheata, Under Secretary of State and Spokesperson for the Ministry of National Defence, told a press briefing this morning.

“I wish to emphasise that from the night of Aug. 25 until the morning of Aug. 26, 2025, the landowners and other local people who stood united against the Thai military’s barbed-wire fencing were motivated solely by their deep concern and determination to protect what they regard as their legitimate property,” she said. “Their actions stemmed from their love for their motherland and their desire to safeguard their legal possessions.”

According to the spokesperson, during the incident, Cambodian forces and relevant competent authorities—who were unarmed and stationed in the area—were also present to ensure the safety of the citizens. “Both our forces and authorities carried out their duties with professionalism and high responsibility,” she underlined.

H.E. Lt. Gen. Maly Socheata further urged the Thai side to fully abide by the ceasefire and, in particular, the spirit of the Agreed Minute of the Extraordinary Regional Border Committee (RBC) Meeting between Cambodia’s 5th Military Region and Thailand’s 1st Army Area, held on Aug. 22, 2025. That agreement reaffirmed the commitment to refrain from expanding the geographical scope of conflict and to avoid actions that could escalate tensions.

She also stressed that all disputes concerning border issues must be resolved through the Joint Border Committee (JBC) of the two countries, in line with the spirit of the 2000 Memorandum of Understanding (MoU 2000).

By C. Nika