A war of words has erupted between Phnom Penh and Bangkok following a fatal border clash in late May that saw a Cambodian soldier killed and accusations fly over sovereignty violations.

 

Responding to a protest outside Cambodia’s embassy in Bangkok on Friday, the Cambodian Ministry of Foreign Affairs firmly rejected claims that its forces had encroached on Thai territory. Spokesperson Chum Sounry instead accused Thai troops of opening fire unprovoked on a Cambodian army post in Techo Morokot village, Preah Vihear province—an area Phnom Penh asserts has long been under its control.

 

“This incident is a violation of Cambodia’s sovereignty and breaches the 2000 Memorandum of Understanding aimed at maintaining peace along the border,” Sounry said.

 

The incident has reignited longstanding disputes along the frontier, particularly near temple sites such as Ta Moan and Ta Krabei, where tensions have simmered for decades.

 

Despite the flare-up, Prime Minister Hun Manet has reiterated his government’s commitment to a peaceful resolution. In a phone call with Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, the current ASEAN chair, he stressed Cambodia’s desire to avoid further escalation and announced plans to bring unresolved border areas before the International Court of Justice.

 

Friday’s demonstration in Bangkok, organised by a Thai activist group calling for reform, remained peaceful. Cambodian Ambassador Hun Saroeun confirmed that embassy staff were safe and operations were unaffected.

 

Efforts to finalise the demarcation of the Cambodia–Thailand border continue through the Joint Boundary Commission. While both sides publicly affirm a commitment to dialogue, the recent violence underscores how fragile peace along the border remains.

 

-2025-06-07

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