Cambodia Strongly Protests Thai Reports Accusing Cambodians of “Encroachment”

Phnom Penh, September 25, 2025 – Cambodia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation has expressed deep concern over recent Thai media and official reports suggesting that Cambodian citizens have “encroached” upon Thai territory.

According to the Ministry’s statement, the reports appeared on official Thai government websites—particularly those of the Royal Thai Navy’s Spokesperson Office and the Chanthaburi-Trat Border Defense Command—as well as in The Nation newspaper. These sources claimed that Cambodians were encroaching on 17 locations, ranging from Pursat Province to Koh Kong Province, including parts of Veal Veng district in Pursat, opposite Mueang district of Trat Province, Thailand.

The statement stressed that the key fact to recognize is that, while both countries have yet to complete border demarcation in certain areas, people on both sides have lived and farmed there for decades. This has occasionally caused disputes or misunderstandings, which have been addressed amicably through the General Border Committee (GBC). Both sides have also agreed to refer complex issues to the Joint Boundary Commission (JBC) for resolution, in line with the 2000 Memorandum of Understanding (MOU-2000) on land boundary demarcation.

Reaffirming Cambodia’s unwavering position, the Ministry stated that the country remains committed to seeking friendly solutions to all border disputes with Thailand, as well as with all neighboring countries, strictly through peaceful means and in accordance with international law. Cambodia further emphasized its firm stance that national borders cannot and must not be altered through the use of force.