Cambodian Rights Committee Urges Thai Leaders to Avoid Escalation

PHNOM PENH, Cambodia (Oct.06,2025) — The Cambodian Human Rights Committee on Monday urged Thailand’s leadership to exercise restraint amid rising tensions along the Cambodia-Thailand border, warning against ethnic conflict and the risk of the region becoming a proxy battleground for global powers.

In an open letter, Keo Remy, senior minister and chairman of the committee, called on Thai officials to avoid actions that could inflame hostilities and distort historical narratives.

“Thai leaders must deeply consider the lives of the people and the economy,” Remy said. “Do not distort history or falsify maps to create ethnic conflicts between our two countries. Above all, avoid turning our countries into a testing ground for weapons produced by China and the United States.”

Remy said the unresolved border dispute continues to be exacerbated by what he described as a lack of sincere commitment from Thailand to resolve the issue peacefully.

“Russia and Ukraine have already become battlegrounds where Western and Russian powers test their weapons,” he said. “Only Chinese weapons have not yet been tested in such proxy wars. Let us not allow our region to become the next.”

His comments follow growing concern in Cambodia over recent statements from Thailand’s newly formed government and military leadership. Cambodian officials say remarks from Thai leaders — including the prime minister, defense minister, foreign minister and regional army commanders — appear inconsistent with peaceful intentions and undermine previous diplomatic efforts.

“The Cambodian government and armed forces continue to uphold the ceasefire,” Remy said. “But the Thai side continues to provoke and violate this agreement under various pretexts.”

He also expressed concern over the continued detention of 18 Cambodian soldiers by Thai forces. Cambodian sources allege the soldiers were deceived into crossing the border after the ceasefire and have been held for 69 days as of Oct. 6.

“We call on the Thai government to immediately release these soldiers so they can safely return to their families, in accordance with international humanitarian law,” the statement said.

Cambodia continues to urge Thailand to prioritize peaceful dialogue, de-escalate tensions and adhere to international norms and bilateral agreements.