Cambodian Experts Back PM Hun Manet’s Call for International Action in Thai Border Dispute

PHNOM PENH, Cambodia (Sept.19, 2025) — Cambodian experts are voicing support for Prime Minister Hun Manet’s appeal to international leaders, including the U.N. Secretary-General, the ASEAN Chair, and the President of France, urging Thailand to honor a ceasefire and cease alleged acts of aggression along the Cambodian-Thai border.

The appeal follows a reported incident on Sept. 17, when Thai forces allegedly used tear gas against Cambodian civilians in an effort to encircle land long inhabited and cultivated by local residents. Cambodian villagers responded by dismantling parts of a barrier erected by Thai forces.

Cambodian authorities said the situation escalated when Thai forces fired live ammunition, rubber bullets and smoke bombs, and deployed high-frequency sound devices known to cause hearing damage and cognitive harm.

Officials confirmed that at least 24 Cambodian civilians, including Buddhist monks, were injured or lost consciousness during the incident. It was described as the most serious escalation since a ceasefire was brokered in late July.

In a formal letter dated Sept. 17 and addressed to U.N. Secretary-General António Guterres, Hun Manet recounted the events of the border conflict, which began on July 24 and concluded with a ceasefire on July 28.

He emphasized the humanitarian impact and called for international engagement to preserve peace and stability in the region.

Kin Phea, director general of the International Relations Institute at the Royal Academy of Cambodia, said the prime minister’s appeal was a legitimate move consistent with international law.

He urged global actors to pressure Thailand to fully implement the ceasefire and related agreements, and to immediately halt any hostile actions along the border.

“This is a clear signal that Cambodia is committed to diplomacy and international law in resolving the border dispute with Thailand,” Phea said. “Cambodia has consistently pursued a policy of peace, adhering to the ceasefire and the spirit of past General Border Committee and Regional Border Committee meetings.”

He added that Hun Manet’s approach was timely and necessary, reflecting Cambodia’s determination to prevent further violence and loss of life. “Cambodia hopes global leaders will support peace, justice, human dignity and stability for a nation that seeks only to defend its sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity,” Phea said.

“Given that Cambodia faces an ambitious neighboring country with expansionist tendencies, we must continue to strengthen national consciousness, unity and solidarity in a deep-rooted and systematic manner,” he said. “Peace is not a gift from another country. It is something we must be strong enough to protect. In other words, to preserve peace, we must be prepared for war.”

Yang Peou, secretary general of the Royal Academy of Cambodia, also expressed support for the government’s stance and call for international intervention. He suggested Cambodia should escalate the matter by filing a formal complaint with an international court.

“The Thai side is unlikely to halt its hostile actions, particularly the use of illegal violence against innocent Cambodian civilians,” Peou said.

Government spokesperson Pen Bona condemned the incident, describing it as an act of aggression by Thai forces and a serious violation of the ceasefire agreement and the spirit of recent bilateral discussions.

Bona said armed Thai soldiers and riot police equipped with shields, batons and tactical gear entered a disputed barbed-wire zone in Prey Chan village, O’Bei Choan commune, O’Chrov district, Banteay Meanchey province.