Cambodian defence ministry rejects reports of border tensions escalation

PHNOM PENH, Mar. 25, 2026 (KPT) — Cambodia’s Ministry of National Defence has dismissed Thai media claims that the country is preparing for a third armed conflict with Thailand.

Spokesperson Lieutenant General Maly Socheata said Tuesday the reports, citing comments attributed to Thailand’s intelligence chief, were “incorrect and baseless.”

She stressed the Royal Cambodian Armed Forces remain committed to bilateral agreements, including the Joint Statement from the Special General Border Committee on December 27, 2025, and the Joint Declaration on Peace signed October 26, 2025.

The ministry said Cambodian forces are acting under government orders to maintain peace and stability along the frontier, and reiterated support for resolving border issues through peaceful means under international law.

Earlier this week, the Foreign Ministry lodged a formal protest against Thailand, accusing its forces of violating Cambodian sovereignty despite a ceasefire signed late last year.

Government spokesman Pen Bona reaffirmed Cambodia’s refusal to recognize any unilateral border claims, citing international law and historical demarcation records.

He said Phnom Penh remains committed to the ceasefire and to resolving disputes through the Joint Boundary Commission mechanism.