AKP Phnom Penh, September 18, 2025 --

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation of the Kingdom of Cambodia (MFAIC) has expressed grave concerns over the reckless and provocative actions committed on Sept. 17, 2025 by Thai armed forces in Prey Chan village, O’ Beichoan commune, O’ Chrov district, Banteay Meanchey province.

In a statement released this morning, the MFAIC cited credible reports saying that Thai soldiers equipped with shields, batons, and weapons entered Cambodian territory and fired tear gas and rubber bullets, while also using high-frequency sound devices that harmed the ears of Cambodian villagers in Prey Chan village. These actions resulted in injuries to many civilians, including Buddhist monks, during a tense standoff with Cambodian villagers who were peacefully defending their homes and property. 

“This unacceptable act of intimidation, coupled with the recent pointing of live weapons at innocent Cambodian civilians, constitutes a grave violation of Cambodia's sovereignty and territorial integrity, as well as of fundamental principles of international law and humanitarian norms,” the MFAIC underlined. 

Cambodian civilians, unarmed and living peacefully on their ancestral land, must never be subjected to such threats, harassment, or violence, stressed the statement, adding that these repeated provocations by the Thai armed forces not only endanger the fragile ceasefire along the border but also seriously undermine ongoing efforts by both Governments to resolve disputes through peaceful dialogue and negotiation mechanisms.

The MFAIC thus urged the Thai armed forces to immediately cease such hostile actions, to exercise utmost restraint, and to ensure that its soldiers fully respect Cambodia's sovereignty and the dignity and safety of Cambodian civilians. Cambodia further called on the international community, particularly ASEAN and relevant partners, to take due note of these alarming developments and to support efforts aimed at preventing further escalation.

“The Kingdom of Cambodia remains steadfast in its commitment to the peaceful settlement of the border conflict with Thailand, guided by the principles of good neighbourliness, international law, and ASEAN's spirit of solidarity,” read the statement. “Cambodia has consistently emphasised dialogue and negotiation as the only viable path forward, making full use of bilateral mechanisms such as the General Border Committee (GBC), Regional Border Committees (RBC), and the Joint Boundary Commission (JBC) to address outstanding issues in a constructive manner.” 

According to the MFAIC, Cambodia has also underlined the importance of confidence-building measures, humanitarian cooperation, and the protection of civilians along the border, while rejecting any actions that could escalate tensions. By prioritising diplomatic channels and regional cooperation, Cambodia seeks to ensure that disputes are resolved through mutual understanding, fostering stability and harmony for the peoples of both countries.

By C. Nika