Thailand’s Sa Kaeo provincial government on Monday delivered a stark ultimatum to Cambodia’s neighbouring Banteay Meanchey province: submit within eight days a plan to evacuate Cambodian nationals residing in two disputed areas claimed by Thailand, or cease encroachment operations. The Thai province rejected Banteay Meanchey’s assertion that those areas belong to Cambodian villages Chok Chey and Praijan, insisting they are Thai forestland outside any recognised disputed border zone.

In the statement, Sa Kaeo labelled Cambodia’s repeated objections over Thai road works, surveillance installations, and legal enforcement in the territory as “disappointing and embarrassing,” accusing Banteay Meanchey of “distorting facts.” It added that Thailand, in past humanitarian crises, had once accommodated hundreds of thousands of Cambodians—such as during the 1979 Cambodian civil war—but warned that current residents are violating Thai immigration and forest laws.

Sa Kaeo declared that, unless Cambodia responds by October 10 or halts further incursions, Thailand will disregard all future protests or proposals from Banteay Meanchey. The order aligns with an earlier move by Sa Kaeo’s governor on September 3 demanding 170 Cambodian households leave the villages of Ban Nong Chan and Ban Nong Ya Kaeo in Khok Sung district, deeming their settlements illegal under Thai sovereignty.

Tensions in May and July had already led to armed confrontations along the Thai–Cambodian border, culminating in multiple fatalities and widespread displacement. A provisional ceasefire signed in July under Malaysian mediation has held tenuously, even as both countries continue to accuse the other of violating its terms. The 2025 border crisis emerged from disputes over maps, colonial-era demarcations, and control of remote temple sites.

Recent clashes near the border have reignited concerns. On September 17, Thai security forces deployed tear gas, rubber bullets and acoustic devices to disperse Cambodian protesters attempting to dismantle Thai-installed barriers in the disputed area. Cambodia reported at least twenty-eight injuries, including monks, while Thailand said five soldiers were wounded in the incident.

In response to Thailand’s ultimatum, Banteay Meanchey rejected the provincial authority’s demands and insisted that the matter should be handled via the Cambodia–Thailand General Border Committee and Joint Boundary Commission, in accordance with memoranda of understanding and past agreements. Cambodian officials also accused Thai forces of erecting barbed wire, erecting fences, and forcibly evicting civilians from long-settled land.

Thai forces have reinforced their presence in Sa Kaeo, asserting readiness to restore control. A military source claimed the Thai armed forces are “one hundred percent ready” to clear the disputed villages, with focus on protest leaders and alleged border encroachment. Meanwhile, local Khmer inhabitants have mobilised, marching with sticks and other materials to confront Thai troops and protect their homes. The border dispute thus risks spiralling into renewed confrontation unless diplomatic channels prevail.