Thailand Firmly Rejects Cambodia’s Border Change Accusations Amid Fragile Ceasefire
Bangkok dismisses Phnom Penh’s claims of territorial alteration, reaffirming respect for international law and commitment to diplomatic mechanisms
Thailand’s government has categorically denied Cambodia’s latest accusation that Bangkok altered the status of their disputed frontier, as both countries navigate a fragile ceasefire following weeks of intense fighting.
Thai officials reiterated that there has been no unilateral change to the border and stressed their commitment to resolving territorial differences through established bilateral mechanisms rather than force.
The denial reflects deep mistrust between the neighbours and underscores ongoing diplomatic efforts to stabilise relations after renewed clashes interrupted peace efforts in late 2025. ({turn0news27}; turn0news26)
The dispute centres on contested areas along the roughly five-hundred-mile boundary between Thailand and Cambodia, particularly around provinces such as Preah Vihear and Sisaket.
Recent clashes earlier in the conflict included artillery exchanges, airstrikes, and rocket fire, prompting ASEAN-mediated talks and a renewed ceasefire agreement on December 27. As part of that deal, Thailand released eighteen Cambodian soldiers detained for about five months, although their handover was briefly delayed by Bangkok amid claims of ceasefire breaches—a charge Phnom Penh denied.
Thai authorities have repeatedly emphasised that any military operations occurred within Thai sovereign territory and were conducted in self-defence against perceived threats, including alleged incursions and landmine incidents, which Bangkok says were disadvantageous to Thai troops.
Cambodia’s accusations of Thai aggression—including claims of territorial encroachment—have been rejected by Bangkok as unfounded and distortions of factual events.
The Thai government continues to advocate for the use of diplomatic channels such as the Joint Border Commission and other bilateral forums to address boundary interpretation and avoid further escalation.
There have been calls from both sides, supported by ASEAN and external partners, to build confidence and fully implement the ceasefire, while track-two and third-party mediation efforts aim to sustain calm and pave the way for substantive negotiations on the long-standing territorial dispute.
Thai officials reiterated that there has been no unilateral change to the border and stressed their commitment to resolving territorial differences through established bilateral mechanisms rather than force.
The denial reflects deep mistrust between the neighbours and underscores ongoing diplomatic efforts to stabilise relations after renewed clashes interrupted peace efforts in late 2025. ({turn0news27}; turn0news26)
The dispute centres on contested areas along the roughly five-hundred-mile boundary between Thailand and Cambodia, particularly around provinces such as Preah Vihear and Sisaket.
Recent clashes earlier in the conflict included artillery exchanges, airstrikes, and rocket fire, prompting ASEAN-mediated talks and a renewed ceasefire agreement on December 27. As part of that deal, Thailand released eighteen Cambodian soldiers detained for about five months, although their handover was briefly delayed by Bangkok amid claims of ceasefire breaches—a charge Phnom Penh denied.
Thai authorities have repeatedly emphasised that any military operations occurred within Thai sovereign territory and were conducted in self-defence against perceived threats, including alleged incursions and landmine incidents, which Bangkok says were disadvantageous to Thai troops.
Cambodia’s accusations of Thai aggression—including claims of territorial encroachment—have been rejected by Bangkok as unfounded and distortions of factual events.
The Thai government continues to advocate for the use of diplomatic channels such as the Joint Border Commission and other bilateral forums to address boundary interpretation and avoid further escalation.
There have been calls from both sides, supported by ASEAN and external partners, to build confidence and fully implement the ceasefire, while track-two and third-party mediation efforts aim to sustain calm and pave the way for substantive negotiations on the long-standing territorial dispute.
