Cambodia Accuses Thailand of Border Violations After Drone Incident

Tensions between Cambodia and Thailand have flared once again, as Senate President Hun Sen issued a stern warning over continued military activity near disputed border areas — including the interception of a Thai drone in Cambodian airspace.

Speaking on 2 June during a rare joint session of the National Assembly and Senate, Hun Sen condemned what he described as a series of provocations by Thai forces, including plans to dig trenches near the contested frontier and the unauthorised use of surveillance drones.

“We have learned they are building a trench,” he said. “They may prepare within their own territory, but they must not come and build on my land—that is all.”

Cambodian troops reportedly intercepted the drone in Preah Vihear Province, an area already sensitive due to previous clashes between the two neighbours. Military officials believe the device was conducting reconnaissance on Cambodian troop positions.

Hun Sen, who also serves as President of the National Assembly, used the occasion to reaffirm Cambodia’s right to defend its territory. “Cambodia does not need anyone’s land, nor do we seek the return of lost territory,” he said. “But we will not allow anyone to seize what is ours.”

He directly rejected a recent call from Thai military officials for Cambodian troops to withdraw 200 metres from a contested location in the Emerald Triangle. “Nowhere in the world is a country asked to withdraw from its own land,” he said, recalling similar pressure during a previous standoff near Preah Vihear Temple in 2011.

Hun Sen also warned against the influence of dissident groups abroad, accusing them of stoking unrest and undermining national unity. “This is not about stirring anger—it’s about defending sovereignty,” he said. “We must now see who truly loves and defends the nation.”

While the Cambodian leader urged citizens to stay calm, he encouraged them to remain watchful and continue supporting troops stationed along the frontier. He also thanked donors for providing supplies and morale boosts to soldiers on the ground.

Despite rising tensions, Hun Sen stressed that border issues should not derail broader cooperation between Cambodia and Thailand — but insisted that sovereignty was not up for negotiation.

-2025-06-03