Thai Citizen Returned After Illegal Entry Into Cambodian Territory

Thai Citizen Returned After Illegal Entry Into Cambodian Territory

PHNOM PENH, May 15, 2026 — Cambodia repatriated a Thai national detained for illegally crossing into Cambodian territory last month, with the handover conducted through bilateral border coordination mechanisms aimed at maintaining stability along the frontier.

According to a statement issued by Cambodian Defence Ministry spokesperson Maly Socheata, the Thai national was returned to Thailand at 10:59 a.m. on Friday through the Choam International Border Checkpoint in Anlong Veng district, Oddar Meanchey province.

Cambodian authorities said the individual had illegally crossed deep into Cambodian territory on April 26 and was subsequently detained in accordance with Cambodian law.

The repatriation followed a formal coordination request submitted on May 13 through the Border Liaison Working Group under the Cambodia-Thailand Regional Border Committee (RBC) mechanism.

Cambodia said Brigadier General Nit Narong, head of the RBC Secretariat for Cambodian Military Region 4, facilitated the handover process.

The Thai national was received by Major General Kamphanat Waphansuk, chief of staff and secretary-general of the RBC for Thailand’s Army Area 2.

Cambodian authorities said the transfer was conducted in accordance with humanitarian principles.

Both sides also held bilateral discussions during the handover process, focusing on strengthening mutual trust and improving cooperation to counter misinformation and maintain border stability.

The delegations reaffirmed their commitment to implementing existing bilateral agreements aimed at preserving long-term peace and security along the Cambodia-Thailand border.

According to the Cambodian statement, the Thai delegation expressed appreciation for Cambodia’s cooperation in resolving the case and facilitating the safe return of the individual to reunite with family members.