PHNOM PENH, (EAC News) — Sept. 18, 2025 — The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation of Cambodia has issued a stern statement condemning what it called reckless and provocative actions by Thai armed forces on September 17, 2025, in Prey Chan village, O Bei Choan commune, O Chrov district, Banteay Meanchey province.

Credible reports indicate that Thai soldiers, equipped with shields, batons, and weapons, entered Cambodian territory and used tear gas, rubber bullets, and high-frequency sound devices that caused harm to civilians in Prey Chan. Several villagers, including Buddhist monks, sustained injuries during a tense standoff as Cambodian civilians peacefully defended their homes and property.

The ministry characterized these actions as unacceptable violations of Cambodia’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, in breach of international law and humanitarian norms. It expressed deep concern over the use of live weapons pointed at unarmed civilians and condemned the intimidation tactics employed by Thai forces.

“The repeated provocations and hostile actions by the Thai military threaten the fragile ceasefire along the border and undermine ongoing efforts by both nations to resolve disputes through peaceful dialogue,” the statement said.

Cambodia urged Thailand to immediately cease these hostile actions, exercise restraint, and respect the sovereignty and dignity of Cambodian civilians. The ministry also called on the international community, particularly ASEAN and relevant partners, to monitor the situation and support efforts to prevent further escalation.

Cambodia reaffirmed its commitment to a peaceful resolution of the border dispute, emphasizing adherence to principles of good neighborliness, international law, and ASEAN solidarity. It highlighted its consistent use of bilateral mechanisms—including the General Border Committee, Regional Border Committees, and the Joint Boundary Commission—to address border issues diplomatically.

The statement also underscored the importance of confidence-building measures, humanitarian cooperation, and civilian protection, while rejecting any actions that may escalate tensions. Cambodia reiterated its dedication to resolving disputes through dialogue and region-wide cooperation, aiming to foster stability and peace for its people.

Prey Chan, Cambodia – Cambodian officials have reported a violent incident along the Cambodia-Thailand border, where Thai soldiers fired tear gas, rubber bullets, and used sound-disrupting devices against civilians in Prey Chan village, Banteay Meanchey province, on September 17, 2025.

According to Neth Pheaktra, Cambodia’s information minister, Thai troops armed with shields, batons, and other weapons crossed into Cambodia’s O’ Bei Choan commune, injuring several individuals, including Buddhist monks. Cambodian forces maintained a ceasefire and stood firm to protect their people, Pheaktra stated.

At least 23 Cambodians, including civilians, soldiers, and police, were seriously injured during the clash, which involved Thai forces attempting to seize land long occupied by Cambodian citizens. The incident marks a significant escalation in ongoing border tensions.

Cambodian authorities also reported that Thai troops employed force in an attempt to take control of territory within the conflict zone, which extends beyond the initial disputed areas in Preah Vihear and Oddar Meanchey provinces. The incident follows weeks of increased provocations, including the erection of barbed wire and barricades by Thai forces, and the forced eviction of Cambodian families from their lands.

In response to the violence, Cambodia’s Ministry of National Defence facilitated a Malaysian-led Interim Observer Team to Prey Chan village to verify the conditions on the ground and monitor the situation.

Prime Minister Hun Manet addressed the international community, calling on ASEAN chair Malaysia and global leaders to support efforts to de-escalate the conflict. In letters to a range of world leaders—including Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, Chinese President Xi Jinping, U.S. President Joe Biden, French President Emmanuel Macron, and UN Secretary-General António Guterres—Hun Manet highlighted recent unilateral actions by Thailand, which breach international agreements and threaten regional stability.

Since August 12, Thailand has intensified its military activity along the border, erecting barriers and issuing ultimatums for the eviction of Cambodian civilians, affecting more than 25 families. Cambodian officials accuse Thailand of disregarding the 2000 Memorandum of Understanding on land boundary demarcation, which is recognized by the International Court of Justice and formalized by the United Nations.

Cambodia firmly rejects Thailand’s unilateral efforts to demarcate the border through force, asserting such actions violate international law and undermine sovereignty. The Cambodian government calls for the immediate cessation of hostilities, respect for bilateral agreements, and the release of 18 Cambodian soldiers currently detained in Thailand.

In his appeal, Hun Manet emphasized Cambodia’s commitment to peaceful resolution and urged the global community to support diplomatic efforts under the ASEAN framework. He reaffirmed Cambodia’s dedication to resolving border disputes through dialogue and international law, aiming to preserve regional peace and stability.