PHNOM PENH, Cambodia (09/25/2025) – The Cambodian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation voiced strong concerns today regarding recent reports from Thai official sources alleging Cambodian citizens are encroaching on Thai territory.
In a formal statement released Thursday, the ministry cited websites associated with the Royal Thai Navy, the Chanthaburi-Trat Border Defense Command, and Thai news outlet The Nation as sources for reports claiming “Cambodian citizens literally ‘invading’ Thailand” in 17 locations. These areas are adjacent to Cambodia's Pursat and Koh Kong provinces, including the Veal Veng District in Pursat.
The ministry acknowledged that certain sections of the shared border remain to be formally demarcated, leading to potential disputes. According to the statement, citizens from both nations have resided and cultivated land in these areas for decades.
Cambodia emphasized that both nations previously addressed border disputes through the General Border Committee and agreed to refer complex issues to the Joint Commission for Demarcation of Land Boundary (JBC) per the 2000 Memorandum of Understanding.
The ministry highlighted a Special General Border Committee meeting on September 10, 2025, where both sides recommitted to avoiding actions that could escalate tensions. Cambodia affirmed that it has exercised restraint and complied with ceasefire terms to cultivate an atmosphere of de-escalation.
The statement criticizes the Royal Thai Navy's public release on the border issue, asserting the matter was previously addressed in February 2022. Cambodia urged Thailand to resolve the issue through the JBC, which is scheduled to convene next month.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation reiterated Cambodia's commitment to peaceful resolutions to border disputes with Thailand and other neighboring countries, in accordance with international law. It stated its borders would not be changed by force.

