PHNOM PENH, (EAC News) — Sept. 18, 2025 – LTG Maly Socheata, spokesperson for Cambodia’s Ministry of National Defense, issued a statement regarding a violent incident involving Thai military and civilian forces at Cambodia’s border on September 17, 2025.

According to Socheata, at approximately 3:30 p.m., a mixed force of around 300 Thai border patrol units, paramilitary personnel, military personnel in black uniforms, police, and Kok KChong villagers crossed into Cambodia’s Prey Chan village, O’ Bei Chorn commune, O’ Chrov district, Banteay Meanchey province. The force was armed with various weapons and riot control equipment, including rubber slingshots and riot shields.

At 4:20 p.m., the Thai forces reportedly used long-range acoustic devices and fired tear gas at Cambodian civilians and authorities. The incident occurred mere minutes after a Malaysian-led International Observation Team (IOT) had begun an inspection of the border area at 1:57 p.m., with the purpose of verifying and reporting on border conditions.

During the confrontation, Thai forces violently dispersed civilians using equipment such as slingshots loaded with ball bearings, which caused injuries—including severe damage to ears and nerves for some civilians. Reports indicate that 28 individuals—comprising civilians and Buddhist monks—suffered injuries, with some rendered unconscious due to the violence.

At approximately 7:22 p.m., the Malaysian-led IOT revisited the site to assess the aftermath of the incident, which Socheata classified as a serious breach of the ceasefire agreements previously established during the Cambodia-Thailand General Border Committee (GBC) and Regional Border Committee (RBC) meetings. The spokesperson emphasized that Thailand’s enforcement of martial law and domestic laws within Cambodian territory constitutes a violation of Cambodia’s sovereignty and breaches international legal principles, including the UN Charter, ASEAN Charter, and the Treaty of Amity and Cooperation in Southeast Asia.

The Ministry of National Defense underscored that local Cambodian landowners and residents acted out of concern regarding Thai military fencing over Cambodian land. Cambodian forces and officials, unarmed and present in the area, ensured the safety of civilians and adhered strictly to the ceasefire and legal commitments, working professionally and responsibly to maintain peace.

Cambodia called on Thailand to respect the spirit of the ceasefire and the outcomes of recent meetings, especially the first special GBC meeting held on September 10, 2025, in Koh Kong province. This meeting reaffirmed that both sides should avoid actions that escalate tensions or expand disputes. Both parties, in accordance with the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on the Survey and Demarcation of the Land Boundary signed in 2000, agreed that issues beyond local border authorities' jurisdiction should be referred to the Joint Boundary Commission for resolution.

Cambodia urged Thailand to refrain from actions that could raise tensions and to foster a conducive environment for implementing the ceasefire and related agreements effectively. The kingdom reaffirmed its commitment to cooperate with Thailand at all levels to promote peace, stability, and development for the benefit of both nations and their peoples.