Cambodia has formally called on Thailand to conduct an immediate investigation and hold those responsible to account after a Cambodian soldier was shot and killed near the contentious Moum Bei area along the shared border in Preah Vihear province.
In a diplomatic note dated May 29 and made public on June 2, Cambodia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs described the incident as an unlawful act of armed aggression by Thai military forces, which it claims occurred on Cambodian soil in Techo Morakot village, Choam Khsant district.
The Cambodian government stated that its border troops have maintained a continuous and peaceful presence in the area for many years, dating back to before the signing of the 2000 Memorandum of Understanding between the two nations concerning land boundary demarcation.
The ministry condemned the shooting as a violation of Cambodia’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, calling it contrary to the spirit of good neighbourliness and friendship outlined in the 2000 agreement.
According to the statement, the use of lethal force on May 28, resulted in the unjust killing of a Cambodian soldier and must be met with a thorough, urgent, and impartial investigation. It stressed that those responsible for what it termed a “brutal and unlawful act” must face legal consequences.
Prime Minister Hun Manet, speaking on June 3, said Cambodia would refer disputes over the Ta Moan Thom, Ta Moan Toch, and Ta Krabey temples, as well as the Moum Bei area, to the International Court of Justice regardless of whether Thailand agrees.
He argued that taking the issue to an international court would help bring clarity and resolution to longstanding border disputes and prevent further escalation, particularly by nationalist groups on either side of the border.
The border clash follows a high-level defence meeting between Cambodia’s Minister of National Defence, Tea Seiha, and his Thai counterpart, Sutin Klungsang, held in Bangkok on May 1, 2025.
Tensions remain high along parts of the Cambodian–Thai frontier, with at least three known flashpoints: the recently contested Moum Bei area, the Ta Moan Thom temple region, and the An Ma border zone.
Despite the rising tensions, Cambodia’s foreign ministry reaffirmed its strong commitment to resolving all border issues peacefully through diplomatic means and existing mechanisms. These include the Joint Boundary Commission (JBC) and the General Border Committee (GBC), aimed at building a stable, cooperative, and peaceful frontier with Thailand and neighbouring countries.
