Cambodia’s Defence Minister Tea Seiha says the country still has sufficient forces ready to deploy to the Thai border in the event of further escalation, amid growing tensions between the two neighbours.
Speaking on July 15 during a ceremony welcoming the return of Cambodian peacekeepers from the Central African Republic, Tea Seiha stated that Cambodia will not withdraw its troops or heavy weapons from the border unless Thailand does the same and restores the situation to what it was before June 7.
He said Thai forces have yet to fully reopen border checkpoints or withdraw their own troops and equipment from conflict zones. As long as that remains the case, Tea Seiha insisted, Cambodia will maintain its own deployments in place.
The Defence Minister added that more troops are on standby, prepared to be sent to the front lines if necessary to defend Cambodian territory.
On July 14, Prime Minister Hun Manet announced plans to begin enforcing Cambodia’s long-dormant military conscription law starting in 2026. He said the law would first need to be amended to reflect the country’s current needs and security situation, especially in light of ongoing border tensions with Thailand.
Defence Ministry spokesperson Chhum Socheat told local media that all military units remain on alert and committed to defending the country’s territorial integrity at any cost.
Also addressing the issue during the 32nd anniversary of Cambodia’s Royal Gendarmerie, Hun Manet called on Thailand to respect previous agreements between the two countries and to cease aerial surveillance activities, including the use of drones over Cambodian territory.
He said mutual trust between border forces requires reciprocal respect and adherence to agreed protocols, particularly regarding border crossing points and troop movements. He urged both sides to halt any provocative actions, especially the deployment of drones into Cambodian territory.
The latest flare-up in border tensions began on May 28 after Thai soldiers allegedly launched a surprise attack on a Cambodian military post at Mom Bei in Preah Vihear province, killing one Cambodian soldier.
Since June 23, land border crossings between the two countries have operated irregularly, contributing to the ongoing strain. In response, Cambodia has filed a case with the International Court of Justice over four disputed sites: Ta Moan Thom, Ta Moan Toch, Ta Krabei and the Mom Bei area.
