AKP Phnom Penh, September 04, 2025-— 

The Cambodian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation issued a statement today condemning the expansion of conflict by Thai forces in border regions, particularly in areas long inhabited by Cambodian communities.

The ministry reaffirmed the Royal Government of Cambodia's commitment to resolving border disputes peacefully and in accordance with international law. It emphasized, however, its firm stance that borders must not be altered by force.

Cambodia is urging Thailand to restore the status quo ante and to address the situation through the agreed-upon General Border Committee (GBC) and Joint Boundary Commission (JBC) mechanisms.

The ministry highlighted several "unlawful actions" by Thai forces: Barriers and Displaced Families: In August 2025, the Thai military placed barbed wire, nets, and other barriers at two villages in O’ Beichoan Commune, Banteay Meanchey Province. These actions have displaced numerous Cambodian families from their homes and farmlands, who are now seeking a resolution to their plight; Evacuation Ultimatum: Major General Wanchana Sawasdee of the Royal Thai Armed Forces has issued a public ultimatum for Cambodian citizens to evacuate Chork Chey Village within three to six months, threatening forced removal by the military. 

This ultimatum was also formally communicated in a letter from the Governor of Thailand's Sa Kaeo Province to the Governor of Cambodia's Banteay Meanchey Province; Unilateral Demarcation: The ministry noted that these actions, along with a plan to issue land titles to Thai citizens in areas where Cambodian families have lived for decades, amount to a unilateral attempt to demarcate the border using military force. 

Cambodia stated that this violates the mandates of the JBC and goes against the spirit of several key agreements, including the 2000 Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on land demarcation, a ceasefire agreement from July 28, 2025, and the agreed minutes from both the GBC and Regional Border Committee meetings in August 2025.

By Heng Panha