Phnom Penh – The Spokesperson of the Royal Government of Cambodia issued an urgent statement today to update the public and the international community on recent developments along the Cambodia-Thailand border.

According to the statement, on the afternoon of September 17, 2025, at approximately 3:44 p.m., Thai soldiers, armed with weapons, along with police forces equipped with various tools for crowd control, encroached upon Prey Chan village in O’ Bei Choun commune, O’ Chrov district, Banteay Meanchey province. The Thai forces laid barbed wire across land historically used and possessed by Cambodian citizens, effectively enforcing Thai law on Cambodian territory.

In response, Cambodian residents collectively resisted the intrusion, removing the barbed wire and defending their land. However, Thai armed forces responded with violence, firing rubber bullets, tear gas, and deploying long-range acoustic devices, which caused severe distress and injuries among civilians and authorities. Specifically, Thai forces used slingshots loaded with ball bearings, resulting in injuries to 28 individuals—comprising civilians, Buddhist monks, and unarmed Cambodian officials—many of whom fell unconscious and sustained both serious and minor injuries.

Cambodian authorities and law enforcement personnel, unarmed and stationed in the area, actively participated in efforts to protect civilians and uphold stability during the incident. They carried out their duties with professionalism and responsibility, strictly adhering to the ceasefire agreement reached between both sides and remaining committed to resolving the dispute peacefully and according to international law.

Immediate medical assistance was provided to the injured civilians and monks, with provincial authorities in Banteay Meanchey promptly transporting them to hospitals for treatment.

The Cambodian government strongly condemns the violence and acts of aggression committed by Thai forces against unarmed civilians and religious figures. The Spokesperson of the Royal Government urges Thailand to cease all acts of encroachment and violence immediately, respect the ongoing ceasefire, and uphold the spirit of decisions made at the Cambodia-Thailand General Border Committee (GBC), Regional Border Committee (RBC) meetings, and the 2000 Memorandum of Understanding, particularly Article 4(2).

The statement reaffirmed Cambodia’s firm stance under Prime Minister Hun Manet’s leadership to respect the ceasefire, resolve border issues through peaceful dialogue, and adhere to bilateral agreements, treaties, conventions, and international law. Cambodia calls on Thailand to follow the same principles to de-escalate tensions, prevent renewed armed clashes, and promote stability in the border region.

The Spokesperson’s team pledged to continue providing updates to both domestic and international audiences regarding the situation and any new developments.