Cambodia Warns of Humanitarian Risks as Border Tensions With Thailand Escalate

PHNOM PENH, Cambodia (Oct. 7, 2025) — Cambodia warned Monday of growing humanitarian risks along its western border, accusing Thailand of escalating tensions by threatening forced evictions of Cambodian civilians in contested zones and detaining 18 Cambodian soldiers in violation of international law.

The warning came in a statement from Cambodia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, which said pressure from the Thai military to remove villagers from three areas in Banteay Meanchey province risks violating human rights and undermining peace.

“These acts not only disregard prior agreements but threaten the safety and dignity of our communities,” the ministry said. It called for renewed dialogue through agreed mechanisms and urged Thailand to avoid unilateral actions.

The latest diplomatic rift centers on a demand from Thailand’s 1st Army Area that Cambodia submit an eviction plan for residents near Nong Chan, Nong Ya Kaeo and Ta Phak Ya in Thailand’s Sa Kaeo province. Cambodia’s 5th Military Region rejected the demand on Oct. 4, insisting that border issues fall under the jurisdiction of the Joint Boundary Commission, not military commands.

On Oct. 6, an observer team visited Chouk Chey village in Ou Chrov district, one of the affected areas, where officials confirmed the presence of Thai infrastructure and personnel beyond recognized border pillars.

The situation follows a July 28 cease-fire agreement between the two countries, which was expected to ease tensions after months of military buildup and minor skirmishes. But since then, Cambodia says 18 of its soldiers were captured “through deceit” by Thai forces and remain in custody.

Cambodia’s concerns reached the international stage last week, when its ambassador to the United Nations in Geneva, In Dara, raised the issue during the 60th session of the U.N. Human Rights Council.

In his Oct. 3 speech, Dara warned that threats of eviction, property seizure and village encirclement were contributing to instability.

“Such violations of human rights and humanitarian law imperil reconciliation,” he said. “Peace is not an abstract concept, it is a daily struggle to protect human dignity.”
Cambodia reiterated its position that any resolution must be peaceful, legal and negotiated through the Joint Boundary Commission.

It called for the immediate release of its 18 soldiers and urged Thailand to attend the upcoming Regional Border Committee meeting scheduled for Oct. 10–12.
“The cease-fire must be upheld in both word and action,” the ministry said. “Human lives and regional stability depend on it.”