Cambodia Denies Troop Pullback at Disputed Temple Border Zone

[geovalin]

KT - Van Roeun

 

Cambodia’s Defence Ministry has firmly denied reports of a troop withdrawal from the disputed Ta Moan Thom Temple area, following Thai media claims that both nations had agreed to ease tensions by pulling back soldiers from the contested site.

 

The clarification came after the 17th Cambodia-Thailand General Border Committee (GBC) meeting, held in Bangkok on 1 May, which brought together top military officials including Cambodia’s Defence Minister General Tea Seiha and his Thai counterpart Phumtham Wechayachai.

 

According to Thai press, the ministers agreed to reduce their military presence at the temple, located along the border between Thailand’s Surin province and Cambodia’s Oddar Meanchey. However, Cambodia swiftly rejected that account, stating both sides had agreed only to maintain the status quo and avoid confrontation.

 

“There was no discussion of troop withdrawal,” the Defence Ministry stated. “Each side will continue to station five soldiers at the Ta Moan site. The focus was on preserving peace and regular communication to prevent misunderstandings.”

 

The statement also condemned what it called “baseless accusations” that Cambodia had relinquished control over sovereign territory, accusing unnamed individuals of attempting to stir domestic unrest and jeopardise bilateral ties.

 

The discrepancy highlights ongoing sensitivities surrounding the temple, one of several flashpoints in a border dispute that has flared intermittently for decades. While Thailand confirmed discussions aimed at de-escalating tensions, it maintained that the meeting was not about ceding any claims, but rather reaffirming cooperation.

 

Both countries agreed to maintain their current deployments and expand coordination across other cross-border issues, including labour, public health, and narcotics control. Officials praised progress made since the previous GBC meeting in Phnom Penh last year.

 

Experts say the issue remains politically charged. Kin Phea, a senior analyst in Phnom Penh, blamed “extremist nationalist groups” in Thailand for inflaming tensions with misinformation, and urged both sides to avoid politicising the border for domestic gain.

 

With nationalist rhetoric threatening to disrupt diplomatic progress, officials on both sides have stressed the need for restraint and dialogue to keep the peace along the fragile frontier.

 

-2025-05-12