Cambodia has formally urged neighboring Thailand to withdraw its military forces from areas that Phnom Penh claims as its own, following a recent truce that ended a series of violent clashes along the disputed border. This appeal comes just a week after the ceasefire, which marked the conclusion of intense fighting that resulted in significant casualties and mass displacements.
The longstanding territorial dispute between Cambodia and Thailand has seen military skirmishes erupt multiple times, notably leading to deadly confrontations last year. In December alone, clashes resulted in dozens of fatalities and left around one million people displaced. The two countries reached an agreement to halt hostilities on December 27, after three weeks of fighting.
According to Cambodian officials, during the period of conflict, Thai forces allegedly occupied several regions spanning four border provinces, exacerbating tensions between the nations. In a statement released on Saturday, Cambodia’s foreign ministry demanded the withdrawal of all Thai military personnel and equipment from Cambodian territory, calling for adherence to what they refer to as the legally established boundary.
The Thai military, however, has categorically denied these claims, asserting that its troops are stationed in areas that have historically belonged to Thailand. In addition to the withdrawal request, the Cambodian foreign ministry has urged Thailand to cease any “hostile military activities” both along the border and within Cambodian territory.
The border dispute is rooted in the colonial-era demarcation of the 800-kilometer (500-mile) boundary, where both nations lay claim to disputed territories and significant historical sites, including ancient temple ruins. Tensions were fueled recently when Cambodia’s Information Minister, Neth Pheaktra, accused Thailand of attempting to “illegally annex” the border village of Chouk Chey.
Responding to these accusations, Thai Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul defended his country’s actions, stating that Thailand has never violated another nation’s sovereignty and has acted strictly in accordance with international regulations. His comments were made during a visit to troops stationed in the border province of Surin, reinforcing Thailand’s position in the ongoing dispute.
