PHNOM PENH, Cambodia (09/24/2025) A war of words has erupted between Cambodia and Thailand over allegations of border encroachment, reigniting a long-simmering dispute between the neighboring nations. Phnom Penh issued a strongly worded statement 09/23/2025, accusing Thailand of making "misleading" claims and potentially inflaming tensions in a contested region.
The core of the conflict lies in Prey Chan, a Cambodian village situated in an area where the border has never been formally demarcated. According to the Cambodian Foreign Ministry, Thai authorities asserted that villagers from Prey Chan had encroached on Thai territory while staging a protest.
But Cambodia counters that Thailand is attempting to assert its authority over territory where it has no right to do so, particularly during a ceasefire. The Cambodian government contends that the villagers' presence in the area predates a 2000 agreement between the two countries aimed at resolving the border issue.
The statement paints a picture of mounting frustration over what Cambodia describes as unjust actions by Thai authorities. It alleges that the protests were triggered by Thai measures, including the encirclement of the village with barbed wire and the imposition of restrictions on access to homes and farms.
Complicating the situation, the precise location of the border in the region remains a subject of contention. While technical teams have agreed on the location of one border marker, they remain at odds over the location of another near Prey Chan. Cambodia accuses Thailand of selectively presenting information to bolster its claims.
Phnom Penh is calling on Thailand to engage constructively through a Joint Boundary Commission to resolve the dispute through peaceful means. It also demands a halt to eviction plans targeting Cambodian households and asks that those already evicted be allowed to return.
As tensions simmer, Cambodia has reaffirmed its commitment to a peaceful resolution, emphasizing that borders must not be changed by force. It remains to be seen whether cooler heads will prevail, or if the escalating rhetoric will further strain relations between the two countries.
