​Cambodia Issues Third Protest Over Thai Border Encroachment Ahead of Bilateral Military Talks

By Son Minea

PHNOM PENH, Cambodia (Aug. 27, 2025) — Cambodia has lodged a formal protest with Thailand over what it described as persistent border encroachment by Thai military forces, particularly in areas inhabited by Cambodian civilians, according to Chum Sounry, spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation (MoFAIC).

The protest, delivered via diplomatic note on Aug. 25, followed reports of Thai troops illegally installing barbed wire fences and black netting in Chouk Chey village, O Bei Chorn commune, O Chrov district, Banteay Meanchey province—territory Cambodia asserts lies within its sovereign borders.

Sounry said the ministry considers the actions a violation of Cambodia’s sovereignty and a deliberate attempt by Thailand to escalate tensions into civilian zones. The incidents reportedly occurred on Aug. 12–13 and again on Aug. 25.

He reiterated Cambodia’s call for Thailand to fully and unconditionally respect the ceasefire agreed on Aug. 28, the 13-point Agreed Minutes adopted on Aug. 7, and the 2000 Memorandum of Understanding (MoU).

Sounry cited key provisions of the MoU, which state: “Both sides agreed not to undertake provocative actions that may escalate tensions, including military activities to enter the other side’s airspace and territory or positions as of ceasefire from 24:00 hours (local time) on 28 July 2025.” The agreement also affirms that “both sides agreed not to expand the scope and scale of the disputes, including provocative activities that may escalate tensions.”

This marks Cambodia’s third formal protest in August, following earlier notes sent on Aug. 14 and 19.

An Extraordinary Regional Border Committee (RBC) meeting is scheduled for today at the Choam Sangam border checkpoint in Banteay Meanchey province. The Cambodian delegation will be led by Lt. Gen. Pov Heng, commander of Military Region 4, while the Thai side will be headed by Boonsin Padklang, commander of Thailand’s Military Region 4, according to Lt. Gen. Maly Socheata, spokesperson for the Ministry of National Defense.

Socheata expressed hope that the meeting would yield a positive outcome, encouraging both sides to fully implement the ceasefire and restore peace, stability and bilateral relations as soon as possible.