Cambodia Rejects Thai Request to Evacuate Border Villages, Urges Peaceful Resolution

PHNOM PENH, Cambodia (Oct. 6, 2025) — Cambodia’s 5th Military Region has rejected a request from the Thai military to evacuate civilians from contested border villages, reaffirming its commitment to resolving disputes through bilateral mechanisms and adherence to existing agreements.

In a letter dated Oct. 3 and addressed to Thailand’s 1st Army Area, Cambodian officials declined to prepare or submit an eviction plan for residents of Chok Chey and Prey Chan villages, located opposite Thai communities in Sa Kaeo province.

The Thai request, received Oct. 4, was issued as a precondition for attending the Second Extraordinary Meeting of the Thailand–Cambodia Regional Border Committee (RBC), scheduled for Oct. 10–12 in Poipet City, Banteay Meanchey province.

Cambodian authorities said the RBC meeting aligns with outcomes from previous bilateral sessions, including the Special General Border Committee (GBC) meeting held Sept. 10 in Koh Kong province and the First Extraordinary RBC meeting on Aug. 22.

Responding to Thai concerns over Chok Chey and Prey Chan villages, Cambodian officials emphasized that the RBC does not have the mandate to determine or alter national boundaries.

They cited Point 8 of the GBC Agreed Minutes, which states that such matters fall under the jurisdiction of the Joint Boundary Commission (JBC).

“The RBC is mandated only to manage local incidents, reduce tensions and resolve ground-level issues through peaceful means,” the Cambodian side said, adding that any border demarcation must await JBC outcomes.

Cambodian officials also noted that field assessments have identified areas where Thai nationals are occupying or using land within Cambodian territory. They said this underscores the complexity of the situation and the need for restraint and full compliance with bilateral agreements.

“Cambodia remains committed to refraining from unilateral actions,” the statement read, calling for a JBC meeting at the earliest opportunity to pursue a peaceful and mutually acceptable resolution.

The 5th Military Region urged both sides to uphold prior GBC and RBC agreements and avoid actions that could endanger civilians in the affected areas.

“The safety and well-being of people on both sides of the border must be protected,” the statement concluded, encouraging Thai counterparts to continue dialogue in good faith.

The Cambodia–Thailand border remains a source of periodic tension, with disputes over demarcation and land use resurfacing despite ongoing diplomatic and military coordination.