Cambodia Rejects Thai Claims of Border Encroachment, Urges Peaceful Resolution

PHNOM PENH, Cambodia (Sept. 24, 2025) — Cambodia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Tuesday rejected Thailand’s claim that Cambodian villagers staged a protest on Thai territory, asserting the demonstration occurred within Cambodia’s borders and was in response to Thai actions that allegedly violated Cambodian sovereignty.

In a statement dated Sept. 23, the ministry said the protest by Prey Chan villagers was peaceful and aimed at opposing Thai authorities’ construction of a road and placement of border markers inside Cambodian territory. The ministry called Thailand’s encroachment claim “baseless” and reaffirmed Cambodia’s commitment to resolving the dispute through diplomatic channels.

“The protest was a legitimate expression of concern over repeated violations of Cambodian sovereignty,” the statement said, urging Thailand to halt unilateral actions and resume negotiations under the framework of the Joint Boundary Commission.

The ministry also reiterated Cambodia’s adherence to the 2000 Memorandum of Understanding and called for both sides to expedite efforts to demarcate the border. It emphasized the importance of maintaining ceasefire terms and resolving disputes through bilateral and regional mechanisms.

Tensions along the Cambodia-Thailand border have flared periodically, often centered on disputed areas where demarcation remains incomplete.