Cambodia rejects Thai military claims in border dispute, urges respect for treaties and peaceful resolution

PHNOM PENH, Cambodia (Oct.17, 2025) — The Cambodian government on Friday rejected recent assertions by Thai military officials that disputed border areas in Banteay Meanchey province belong to Thailand, reaffirming its commitment to resolving the issue through peaceful and legal means.

The response came after Thai media reports on Oct. 15 quoted military officials claiming that “the area where Thai soldiers have stepped upon is Thai territory.” The remarks referred to Prey Chan and Chouk Chey villages in O’Bei Choan commune, O’Chrov district, where Thai forces allegedly laid barbed wire, bulldozed land and conducted mine clearance operations since Aug. 13.

The Cambodian government issued a statement strongly refuting the claim, citing historical treaties and international law. The government said the border is defined by the 1904 Convention and the 1907 Treaty between France and Siam, as well as a 1:200,000 scale map and 74 boundary markers established more than a century ago.

“These agreements form a legal boundary line protected by the United Nations Charter and international law, which cannot be unilaterally altered by either side,” the spokesperson said.

The government emphasized that only the Cambodia–Thailand Joint Boundary Commission (JBC) is authorized to survey and demarcate the border. It called on Thailand to honor existing treaties and refrain from unilateral actions or provocations that could escalate tensions.

“Cambodia calls on Thailand to respect all bilateral agreements and await the JBC’s work, rather than resort to military claims or actions,” the statement read.

The dispute comes amid renewed friction between the two neighbors, despite a ceasefire agreement signed in July and ongoing diplomatic efforts. Cambodian Deputy Prime Minister Prak Sokhonn reiterated the country’s stance during a quadrilateral meeting on Oct. 12 with Thailand, Malaysia and the United States, stressing that Cambodia would not use force to resolve the issue.

The Cambodian government said it​ remains committed to a peaceful resolution but reserves the right to defend its sovereignty and territorial integrity under international law.

“While exercising maximum restraint to uphold the ceasefire and avoid renewed armed clashes, Cambodia does not recognize any unilateral declaration by the Thai military,” the spokesperson added

The statement assured the public that the government remains steadfast in protecting national sovereignty and will continue to seek peaceful solutions without compromising Cambodia’s territorial integrity.