A Cambodian analyst has warned that recent remarks by Thailand’s defence minister could heighten tensions and risk triggering a large-scale conflict between the two neighbours.
Chhang Youk, head of the Documentation Center of Cambodia, said comments referring to the possibility of a third armed clash between Cambodia and Thailand were provocative and based on flawed interpretations of past disputes.
Writing on social media, he said the statement by Thai Defence Minister Adul Boonthamcharoen appeared to rely on assumptions that could mislead the public and inflame tensions.
Chhang Youk argued that previous border disputes were driven by military actions from the Thai side, including troop deployments into Cambodian territory. He described these as serious violations of international law and of ceasefire agreements brokered with the involvement of the United States and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations.
He added that repeated incursions and clashes amounted to strategic-level violations of Cambodia’s sovereignty, rather than isolated incidents.
Despite the tensions, he said Cambodia continues to act in accordance with international law to protect its citizens, sovereignty, and territorial integrity. He also stressed that the Cambodian government remains committed to resolving disputes peacefully and preventing any escalation.
The comments follow a report by Thai media outlet The Nation on April 7, which quoted Adul Boonthamcharoen as warning Cambodia to carefully consider the consequences before engaging in a third conflict with Thailand. He said any renewed fighting would likely escalate into a major confrontation.
The Thai defence minister noted that while the chances of conflict remain low, contingency plans are in place should hostilities break out again. He added that any operations would avoid areas where Thai civilians had not been evacuated.
Meanwhile, VOA journalist Men Kimseng said the Thai minister’s remarks could be seen as a positive signal, noting that Cambodia had recently called for renewed talks to resolve the border issue peacefully.
He urged Thailand not to delay participation in a proposed urgent meeting of the Joint Boundary Commission, which Cambodia has requested to address the dispute.
According to Cambodia’s State Secretariat of Border Affairs, Phnom Penh has repeatedly sent diplomatic notes seeking to convene a special session of the commission. Thai authorities have asked for postponements, citing the need to complete internal procedures following the formation of a new government.
Cambodia has now renewed its request for an urgent meeting and called for continued implementation of previously agreed border demarcation work.
The secretariat reiterated that Cambodia strongly opposes what it describes as illegal incursions by Thai forces and ongoing violations of its sovereignty.
