The Cambodian Ministry of National Defence has denied claims that it has withdrawn troops from the Mom Bei area, a site near the Thai border, asserting that the territory remains under Cambodian sovereignty.
In a statement released today, the ministry called on the Cambodian public to rely on official government information regarding border issues, rather than unverified or unofficial sources.
The ministry stressed that Cambodian forces have long maintained a presence in Mom Bei and continue to operate within the country’s sovereign territory. It further stated that all military activities in the area, including deployments, adjustments and troop movements, fall entirely within Cambodia’s jurisdiction and are part of regular defence preparedness aimed at safeguarding national territorial integrity.
While reaffirming its support for peaceful conflict resolution, the ministry noted that its troops are prepared to carry out government orders to defend Cambodian territory against any external incursion.
The statement follows remarks from former Prime Minister Hun Sen, who wrote on his official Facebook page on June 8, 2025, that the repositioning of troops along the Cambodian-Thai border is a necessary step to avoid any potential armed clashes.
Mr. Hun Sen stated that both the Cambodian and Thai populations wish to live in peace and have no desire for war, but nonetheless, Cambodia is continuing its legal action against Thailand through international channels.
He urged Cambodians to place their trust in the government to resolve border tensions through peaceful means, to prevent bloodshed and to preserve friendly relations and cooperation with neighbouring countries.
The issue has attracted widespread media attention in Thailand, with several Thai outlets reporting that both Cambodian and Thai forces had withdrawn from the Mom Bei area. Some reports also claimed that trenches dug by Cambodian forces had been filled in or dismantled.
Despite the Cambodian Ministry of Defence’s denial of a troop withdrawal, opposition lawmaker Um Sam An of the former Cambodia National Rescue Party argued that the repositioning of troops in effect constitutes a withdrawal. He alleged that Mr. Hun Sen had ordered troops to move back over 200 metres from positions where Cambodian forces had previously dug defensive trenches, which he claimed have now been completely removed.
Speaking today, Mr. Um Sam An questioned whether the withdrawal was prompted by a request from Thailand, raising speculation over the motivations behind the move. He suggested that Mr. Hun Sen might be concerned about possible revelations regarding his alleged involvement in the assassination of opposition lawmaker Lim Kimya, among other matters.
The opposition figure further speculated that Mr. Hun Sen may fear Thailand providing support or shelter to political activists and opposition figures who oppose his leadership, as well as the potential threat to business interests held by members of his family in Thailand.
