Thailand Urges Cambodia to Remove Settlers from Disputed Area

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Thai authorities have issued a firm ultimatum to Cambodia, demanding the removal of its settlers from Ban Nong Chan within two months. If this timeline is not met, Thailand has declared it will take immediate action to uphold its territorial sovereignty.

This bold move comes amid escalating tensions at the Thai-Cambodian border in Sa Kaeo province. The Royal Thai Armed Forces, under Major General Wanchana Sawasdee, have highlighted recent incidents of Cambodian settlers dismantling Thai border defences. This led to a high-level inspection led by General Songwit Noonpakdee, Chief of Defence Forces, as military officials scrutinised strategic locations along the border.

The Burapha Task Force reports that Cambodian settlers have built 18 homes in Ban Nong Ya Kaew, clearly infringing upon Thai land. Historically, Ban Nong Chan served as a temporary refuge for Cambodians escaping past conflicts. However, as peace settled, these settlers expanded their presence, violating Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) 43, which governs border activities.

Thai forces have already embarked on operations to reclaim their territory, reinstating barbed-wire barriers and repelling encroachments back into Cambodia. The urgent two-month window provided by Maj Gen Wanchana aligns strategically with the anticipated Thailand-Cambodia General Border Committee (GBC) meeting in September 2025.

The forthcoming GBC meeting will be critical, with both sides set to review 13 ceasefire agreements established on 7 August. Among these, there is a staunch commitment to avoiding misunderstandings, enhancing communication, and steering clear of military provocations.

The ongoing dialogue also emphasises joint collaboration for humanitarian efforts, such as demining under the Ottawa Convention. Both nations are committed to tackling cross-border crime, addressing issues like call-centre scams, online fraud, and human trafficking.

Thailand and Cambodia are urged to resolve disputes diplomatically, ensuring any action protects both military and civilian safety. As part of this cooperative spirit, both countries have agreed to establish additional coordination teams and schedule regular Regional Border Committee (RBC) meetings to maintain amicable relations.

As tensions simmer, the world watches closely to see how this diplomatic and military standoff unfolds. The next two months are crucial, with potential implications for regional stability. In the meantime, both nations appear committed to maintaining dialogue, with the hope that peaceful resolution prevails.

  Adapted by ASEAN Now from The Nation 2025-08-28