Cambodia Interior Ministry Condemns Thai Bulldozing of Land in Border Village

PHNOM PENH, Cambodia (Oct.11,2025) — Cambodia’s Interior Ministry on Friday condemned what it described as an incursion by Thai authorities and armed forces into Cambodian territory in Banteay Meanchey province, calling the move a violation of international law.

In a statement, Deputy Spokesperson for the ministry accused officials from Thailand’s Sa Kaeo Provincial Administration and Thai military units of bulldozing land and threatening Cambodian citizens in Prey Chan village, O Bei Choan commune, Ou Chrov district, on Oct. 10.

The ministry said the incident was part of a pattern of repeated border violations and urged Thailand to immediately halt actions it said were undermining peace and stability along the shared border.

“The actions taken by Thai forces constitute a serious breach of Cambodian sovereignty and violate international law, including the principle of uti possidetis juris, which governs territorial ownership following decolonization,” the statement said.

Cambodian authorities cited the 1904 and 1907 Franco-Siamese treaties as evidence of long-standing Cambodian presence in the area.

The ministry accused Thailand of acting unilaterally and disregarding mechanisms such as the Cambodia-Thailand Joint Border Commission, which was established to resolve disputes through dialogue and legal frameworks.

The statement further alleged that Thai authorities had threatened arrests, prevented residents from farming, and used machinery to destroy property — actions Cambodia characterized as potential violations under the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court, including crimes against humanity and aggression.

Cambodia called on Thailand to cease what it termed “unilateral expansion” and urged international and ASEAN partners to monitor the situation and uphold principles of international law.

“This is not only a threat to Cambodian citizens but a challenge to peace and sovereignty in the region,” the ministry said. “We appeal to the international community to support the rule of law and the peaceful resolution of disputes.”
Thai officials had not immediately responded to the accusations as of Friday evening.