PhnomPenhPost-Sept 4, 2025
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation announced that Cambodia has communicated another formal protest over incursions by Thai forces in the border regions, especially in areas where Cambodian communities have been living for decades.
In a September 3 statement, the ministry described how the razor wire, nets and tire barricades laid by the Thai military in two villages in Banteay Meanchey province’s O Bei Chorn commune in August have caused immense hardship to many Cambodian families, who have been evicted from their homes and farmland. The statement noted that on August 26 and 28, Wanchana Sawasdee, director of the Mission Coordination Office for National Security under the Directorate of Operations of the Royal Thai Armed Forces, publicly declared an ultimatum for Cambodia to “evacuate its citizens from Chok Chey village in 3-6 months, or they would face forced removal by the Thai military”. “The actions and the announcement of plans to issue land titles to Thai citizens in areas where hundreds of Cambodian families have lived for decades are deeply concerning and amount to an attempt to unilaterally demarcate the border through the use of military means,” said the ministry statement. While highly contested areas, such as at Ta Mone Thom, Ta Krabey, and other areas along the border remain calm, the new flashpoint is at the location of the former Nong Chan refugee camp, where Thailand is claiming land which includes large parts of Chok Chey and Prey Chan villages. Although the area is claimed by both sides, Thailand announced plans to force around 170 Cambodian families from their homes, even as both sides are implementing a ceasefire. Read more at: https://www.phnompenhpost.com/national/foreign-ministry-decries-thai-eviction-plans-for-cambodian-villagers
