Thailand is set to propose eight conditions during high-level border talks with Cambodia on Wednesday, aiming to maintain the fragile ceasefire agreed between the two countries.

According to a report published by the Bangkok Post on Tuesday, the Thai delegation will present the proposals at a special session of the Cambodia –Thailand General Border Committee, or GBC, scheduled to take place in Malaysia.

The Straits Times also reported on August 5 that Thailand’s proposed terms include a complete and unconditional respect for the ceasefire along disputed and border areas. Other measures cover the management of civilian populations, particularly those living in border zones, a total prohibition on reinforcement of troops in contested areas, and a ban on all military movements to avoid misunderstandings.

Thailand is also expected to call for joint cooperation in repatriating the wounded and deceased, the creation of a forward-working group to resolve incidents and exchange information, and a coordinated reduction in troop deployments to ease tensions. If consensus is reached, the two sides may sign a formal agreement.

On August 5, acting Thai Defence Minister Nattaphon Narkphanit confirmed in a press conference that the eight-point proposal was designed to adjust and build upon the existing agreement between Cambodia and Thailand. He said the goal is to secure peace and prevent future conflict.

Meanwhile, the Cambodian Ministry of National Defence claimed on August 5 that Thai forces had used heavy equipment to build a concrete base in An Ses, an area under Cambodian sovereignty. Cambodian authorities also accused Thai troops of violating the ceasefire agreement despite warnings from Cambodian forces.

The special session of the Cambodia –Thailand General Border Committee is scheduled for August 7 in Malaysia. The meeting follows three days of technical-level talks which began on August 4 and are expected to conclude on Thursday.

The upcoming meeting will bring together both countries’ defence ministers and military chiefs. It will be held at Wisma Perwira, near Malaysia’s Ministry of Defence. Observers from the United States, China and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations are also expected to attend.

The current ASEAN chair, Anwar Ibrahim, says he hopes the ongoing Cambodia-Thailand border dispute will be resolved at the upcoming General Border Committee meeting scheduled for Thursday this week. Malaysia, he added, has also deployed satellite monitoring and ceasefire observers to track the situation between the two countries.

According to Malaysian state news agency Bernama, Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim said on August 5 that the defense ministers of both Cambodia and Thailand will attend the meeting for direct discussions aimed at maintaining and reaffirming the ceasefire and ensuring that no further violations occur.

Anwar Ibrahim stressed that the border tensions do not only affect bilateral relations between Cambodia and Thailand but also undermine ASEAN’s credibility. He said Malaysia would continue facilitating dialogue between the two ASEAN member states even though it no longer holds the ASEAN chairmanship.

Anwar Ibrahim noted that despite the situation remaining tense and volatile, it is currently under control. He expressed confidence that several points negotiated under Malaysia’s facilitation could be formally adopted during the meeting on August 7.

The extraordinary session of the Cambodia-Thailand General Border Committee is set to take place on August 7 in Malaysia. This meeting follows a two-day session of the joint Cambodia-Thailand GBC working group, which began on August 4 and is expected to conclude on August 6.

In connection with the border dispute, the Thai Enquirer reported today that Thailand has submitted a detailed ceasefire proposal to Cambodia during the ongoing GBC working group meeting, ahead of the extraordinary GBC session scheduled for Thursday.

On August 4, while the joint GBC working group meeting was underway in Malaysia, Thai military forces deployed armed mobile units into the An Ses area. The convoy was reportedly accompanied by heavy machinery including excavators and barbed wire, moving inside territory claimed by Cambodia despite warnings from Cambodian troops.

The recent escalation began on the morning of July 24, when Thai forces opened fire at the Ta Moan Thom temple area in Oddar Meanchey province. The clashes quickly spread to other areas along the shared border.

Commenting on the situation, Sek Socheat, a development and policy research advisor, said that if Thailand continues to violate Cambodian territory using military force, Cambodia’s best option would be to take the matter to the United Nations Security Council. He suggested requesting the implementation of peacekeeping or enforcement measures, including sanctions and arms embargoes.

The Cambodian government has announced that it will provide cash assistance and free vocational training to Cambodian workers returning from Thailand, provided they hold valid equity cards or identification indicating they are from vulnerable households.

Speaking on August 5, Chorn Narith, Secretary of State at the Ministry of Economy and Finance and Secretary-General of the National Social Protection Council, said recently returned workers from Thailand are eligible to register for training under Cambodia’s Technical and Vocational Education and Training programme, or TVET, if they possess the required documentation.

Chorn Narith said the government does not want workers to worry about unemployment, and added that Cambodia currently has a high demand for skilled labour. He noted that a recent reduction in US tariffs on Cambodian goods, now set at 19 percent, may help attract further foreign investment, potentially creating new job opportunities for Cambodian workers in the future.

Soeng Senkaruna, head of the Cambodia Democratic Movement based in Australia, welcomed the government’s support measures, including vocational and technical training for returnees from Thailand. However, he raised concerns about access to the programme, saying many returning workers may not have the required equity cards due to being away from their home villages for many years.

Soeng Senkaruna called on the government to find alternative ways to allow those without proper identification to enrol in the training programme. He said this would give returnees a better chance to earn a living and care for their families, rather than migrating again once the country stabilises.

The TVET programme was officially launched on November 14, 2023. It provides free vocational and technical training for young people from poor or at-risk households. Participants also receive a monthly stipend of 280,000 riel, or about 70 US dollars.

According to estimates from the Ministry of Labour and Vocational Training, nearly 400,000 Cambodian workers returned from Thailand between July 24 and July 28, 2025. The ministry reports that approximately 1.2 million Cambodians are currently working in Thailand, most of them employed in agriculture, construction, fisheries, and manufacturing sectors.

Thailand Denies Plot to Assassinate Hun Sen and Hun Manet

Thailand’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs has rejected claims that Thai authorities were planning an assassination attempt targeting Cambodian Senate President Hun Sen and Prime Minister Hun Manet.

The allegation was first published by Cambodian outlet Fresh News, which cited an unnamed foreign intelligence agency. According to the report, Thai authorities were allegedly preparing to carry out a bombing attack aimed at Hun Sen and Hun Manet using AT6 TH light attack aircraft equipped with small Korean-made GPS-guided bombs.

The same source claimed that these aircraft are harder to detect due to their speed, which is said to be greater than that of F-16 fighter jets, and that they could evade Cambodian air defense systems.

It also alleged that Thailand had recently received eight AT6 TH aircraft and 200 bombs, along with four additional aircraft of unspecified types. These were reportedly obtained from South Korea on July 29, 2025, and have since undergone maintenance and rearming.

According to the report, the bombs are guided by GPS and capable of accurately hitting designated targets with high lethality. The alleged plan involved testing the aircraft in the Phnom Troap area to evaluate their effectiveness before launching further actions from August 4, 2025, based on border assessments.

The source further alleged that if Thailand failed to seize control of eight contested zones inside Cambodian territory, it would launch attacks from Trat Province using the AT6 TH aircraft. It said the operation would rely on internal intelligence sources to identify the residences of Hun Sen and Hun Manet, with the aim of executing targeted strikes.

The claim surfaced shortly after Hun Sen, the former prime minister and now president of the Senate, was reportedly granted direct authority by King Norodom Sihamoni to coordinate with Prime Minister Hun Manet on military matters, particularly those concerning territorial defense in response to recent tensions with Thailand.

In response to the allegations, Thai newspaper The Nation quoted Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokesperson Nikorndej Balankura, who on August 5 issued a firm denial. He said the accusation was baseless and intended to damage Thailand’s reputation.

Nikorndej Balankura added that such disinformation was especially harmful given that the two countries were engaged in ongoing discussions under the General Border Committee framework. He warned that the report undermined the spirit of dialogue and efforts to resolve the situation peacefully.

As of now, neither Hun Sen nor Hun Manet has issued a public statement in response to the assassination claims or confirmed any threat originating from Thailand.

Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet says his government is using all available national and international mechanisms to push for the immediate and safe release of 18 Cambodian soldiers currently detained by Thai authorities.

In a statement posted to his official Facebook page, Hun Manet said Cambodia’s Ministry of National Defence, the Commander-in-Chief, and the regional military commander have been working continuously with their Thai counterparts. He added that Malaysia, in its capacity as the current ASEAN chair, has also been asked to engage with Thai authorities on the issue.

The Cambodian government has also tasked the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, through its Permanent Mission to the United Nations and other international organisations in Geneva, with working directly with the International Committee of the Red Cross to seek a swift resolution.

Hun Manet said that Cambodia’s Human Rights Committee has been instructed to coordinate with the UN Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights, the ASEAN Intergovernmental Commission on Human Rights and Thailand’s National Human Rights Commission to further advocate for the release and repatriation of all 18 detained soldiers.

Initially, Thai authorities had agreed to return all 20 Cambodian soldiers to Cambodia on July 31. However, the plan was later postponed, citing incomplete procedural arrangements. On the evening of July 31, Thai military officials reversed the earlier decision, announcing that only two soldiers would be returned on the morning of August 1, with the remaining 18 to follow at an unspecified date.

According to Chan Sopheaktra, the operational commander in the Preah Vihear border region, the incident occurred after Thai soldiers invited the Cambodian troops to take commemorative photos together. He claimed that Thai soldiers, who had been hiding nearby in the forest, then emerged, pointed rifles at the Cambodian group and detained 20 soldiers. One managed to escape, and two others were reportedly shot and killed by Thai forces.

The Cambodian government has not yet confirmed the identities of the two deceased individuals, and Thai authorities have not released any official statement on the alleged use of force or the timeline for the remaining repatriations.

The situation remains tense along the border as diplomatic and military channels continue to seek a resolution.

Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet has instructed authorities in all seven provinces along the Thai border to coordinate the movement and support of Cambodian civilians crossing back into the country amid ongoing military clashes.

In a statement posted on his official Facebook page, Hun Manet called on the National Committee for Disaster Management to work closely with relevant ministries and provincial authorities to provide secure reception areas and emergency shelter, food and basic services for civilians displaced by the fighting.

He further directed the Ministry of Economy and Finance and the Ministry of Health to take immediate action to ensure the welfare and well-being of displaced residents during this difficult time.

Hun Manet emphasized that all relevant ministries, armed forces and border provincial administrations must cooperate in facilitating the border crossings and temporary stays of Cambodian nationals returning from the conflict zone along the Thai-Cambodian frontier.

The Ministry of National Defence, the Royal Cambodian Army and Phnom Penh City Hall were also tasked with coordinating transport for returnees from the Thai-Cambodian border to their home provinces.

The Prime Minister expressed his condolences to the families of Cambodian soldiers and civilians who have lost their lives in the ongoing clashes. He instructed the defence ministry and military units to organise appropriate funeral ceremonies and ensure fallen soldiers are honoured as national heroes.

Since July 24, Thai forces have launched repeated assaults on Cambodian military positions, resulting in ongoing casualties among both soldiers and civilians. Tens of thousands of residents have been evacuated from the affected areas.

In Oddar Meanchey province’s Kok Mon commune, Banteay Ampil district, more than 32,500 people across 26 villages have been relocated to safe zones. In neighbouring Ampil commune, where 29 villages are home to nearly 20,000 people, evacuations are also under way.

Civilians in other frontline areas along the Thai border have similarly been moved to secure locations as part of the nationwide response.

Meanwhile, an estimated 100,000 Cambodians returned from Thailand via the Doung International Border Crossing in Kamrieng district, Battambang province, on July 27 alone. This follows the return of approximately 65,000 people on July 26.

Cambodian nationals have also re-entered the country through other international crossings, including those in Pailin and Koh Kong provinces. However, exact figures from those points have not yet been confirmed by provincial authorities.

Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet and Thailand’s Acting Prime Minister Phumtham Wechayachai have agreed to a 24-hour unconditional ceasefire, set to begin at midnight on July 28, 2025.

The announcement followed an emergency summit held in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, where both leaders publicly committed to halting all military activity. The meeting was convened with the support of Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, and attended by representatives from the United States and the People’s Republic of China.

At a joint press conference, Hun Manet and Phumtham Wechayachai declared that both sides had agreed to an immediate ceasefire, aimed at ending the recent cross-border violence between the two Southeast Asian neighbours.

Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim praised the outcome, calling it a positive result made possible by the willingness of both leaders to de-escalate the conflict without delay.

The summit was convened in response to a call from United States President Donald Trump, who recently urged both countries to end hostilities. In a post on the social media platform X on July 27, 2025, Donald Trump stated that he had spoken with Hun Manet about the need to bring the conflict to an end, and had also appealed directly to Phumtham Wechayachai to accept a ceasefire.

President Trump noted that the outbreak of conflict came at a time when the United States was actively engaged in trade relations with both Cambodia and Thailand. He stressed that the US does not wish to enter into agreements with countries engaged in open warfare.

The ceasefire agreement comes after days of cross-border clashes that have resulted in casualties, displacement of civilians, and damage to cultural heritage sites. It remains to be seen whether the ceasefire will hold and pave the way for longer-term peace talks.

Cambodia’s Ministry of National Defence says Thai military forces continued their cross-border offensive on Sunday using F-16 fighter jets, drones, heavy artillery and toxic gas in strikes across Cambodian territory.

According to the ministry, Thai forces launched further attacks early Monday morning, firing into Cambodian territory for approximately two hours. This escalation occurred despite both sides having agreed to attend ceasefire talks scheduled for Monday afternoon in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

Speaking at a press conference on July 28, Ministry of Defence spokesperson Mali Socheata stated that Thai forces initiated the day’s assault around 3:10 in the morning, targeting the areas around Ta Moan Thom temple and Ta Krabei temple. The attacks continued until just after 5:00.

Mali Socheata said the Thai military conducted coordinated attacks across at least four provinces, including Ta Moan Thom, Chub Koki, Thmar Doan and Veal Intry in Oddar Meanchey, as well as 5 Makara, Ta Thav, Phnom Kmoch and An Ses in Preah Vihear. The spokesperson said the 5 Makara area came under particularly intense fire as Thai forces attempted to seize Wat Keo Kiri Svarak temple.

Despite the sustained attacks, the spokesperson said Cambodian defence forces have held their positions and continued to defend the country’s territory.

The Defence Ministry said the ongoing assault has displaced more than 130,000 Cambodian civilians, representing over 30,000 households as of July 27. Those displaced include pregnant women, the elderly, people with disabilities and children.

The conflict has forced the closure of more than 600 schools across five provinces, affecting at least 150,000 students and 6,000 teachers. Damage has also been reported to homes, public infrastructure and cultural sites, including the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Preah Vihear temple.

In addition, nearly 40,000 Cambodian migrant workers in Thailand have returned home between July 24 and July 27, fleeing what officials describe as the worsening security situation. On July 27 alone, more than 134,000 Cambodians are reported to have crossed back into the country, and Cambodian authorities anticipate that another 150,000 could return in the coming days.

Sources within the ministry estimate that close to 400,000 Cambodian nationals have re-entered the country over the past five days. Officials warn that the number could rise further if Thai military operations continue.

Returning migrant workers have also reported being subjected to violence and abuse by members of Thai extremist groups, according to the Ministry of Defence.

The situation along the Thai-Cambodian border remains volatile, with both countries under growing international pressure to de-escalate the conflict and prevent further humanitarian fallout.

Emergency talks between Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet and Thailand’s acting Prime Minister Phumtham Wechayachai are underway in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, on July 28.

Also attending the meeting are Edgard D. Kagan, United States Ambassador to Malaysia, and Ouyang Yujing, China’s Ambassador to Malaysia. The discussions are being mediated by Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim and follow a proposal made by United States President Donald Trump on the night of July 26.

Despite the high-level diplomatic engagement in Malaysia, hostilities have continued on the ground. Thai armed forces reportedly launched heavy artillery fire into Cambodian territory up until approximately 3 p.m. local time on July 28.

Mali Sucheata, Deputy Secretary of State and spokesperson for Cambodia’s Ministry of National Defence, stated on the morning of July 28 that Thai forces had used a wide range of heavy weaponry, targeting multiple locations across the Cambodian side of the border. According to her, the attacks began shortly after 2 a.m. that same day.

She also claimed that Thai forces deployed chemical smoke against Cambodian troops, which she said constitutes a violation of international law.

The ongoing military confrontation along the Cambodian-Thai border adds urgency to the diplomatic efforts taking place in Kuala Lumpur. Observers say the outcome of these talks may prove critical in determining whether the violence will de-escalate or further intensify.

The Ministry of Labour and Vocational Training in Cambodia has expressed serious concern over reports of mistreatment faced by Cambodian workers in Thailand, as well as those returning home amid rising border tensions.

In a statement issued on July 27, 2025, the ministry said Cambodian migrant workers in Thailand and those who have recently returned to Cambodia are experiencing discrimination, intimidation, violence and threats to their safety and freedom of movement.

The ministry warned of a growing number of reported abuses, including threats to withhold wages as a means to force Cambodian workers to remain on the job, even after they have formally requested to leave. There are also accounts of restrictions on freedom of expression and other forms of coercion, which have left some Cambodian workers afraid to leave their workplaces or accommodations out of fear of being attacked.

According to the statement, acts of violence by Thai civilians against Cambodian workers have increased following recent military aggression by Thailand along the border. The ministry linked these incidents to Thai military actions that began on July 24, involving armed incursions into Cambodian sovereign territory.

The situation has sparked concern among rights groups and labour advocates, who warn that vulnerable migrant workers are increasingly at risk as tensions between the two countries continue to escalate.

The Cambodian government has not yet announced specific measures to protect its workers abroad but has urged Thai authorities to ensure the safety and rights of all foreign workers within its territory.

The Cambodian Ministry of National Defence has accused Thailand of launching indiscriminate military attacks across the border, causing significant harm to civilians and their property.

Speaking at a press briefing on the evening of July 27, 2025, Ministry spokesperson and Secretary of State Maly Socheata said Thai armed forces began their offensive in the early hours of July 26, continuing into the next day. She alleged that the attacks were launched without clear targeting, affecting wide areas inside Cambodian territory.

According to Maly Socheata, the assaults have had a severe humanitarian impact. She reported that around 80,000 civilians have been displaced from their homes. More than 600 schools have been forced to shut their doors, disrupting education for over 150,000 students.

The spokesperson also said that the attacks had damaged civilian homes, religious sites, and the Preah Vihear temple, a UNESCO World Heritage Site located near the border.

The Ministry of National Defence condemned what it described as unprovoked aggression and called for an immediate end to the hostilities. Cambodian authorities say they are continuing to assess the full scale of the damage and are appealing for international attention to the unfolding crisis.

The situation remains tense as calls grow for a ceasefire and diplomatic resolution to the escalating border conflict.

The Ministry of National Defence of the Kingdom of Cambodia has firmly rejected and condemned what it described as Thailand’s baseless and irresponsible accusations that Cambodia initiated recent hostilities. The statement was issued on the morning of July 27, 2025, amid escalating tensions along the border.

Speaking at a press briefing, Ministry spokesperson and Secretary of State Maly Socheata said Thailand’s claims were not only false but appeared aimed at diverting attention from what she called repeated violations of Cambodian sovereignty and international law by Thai forces.

According to Maly Socheata, the facts on the ground tell a different story. She asserted that it was Thailand that launched the initial attacks on Cambodian territory. She detailed a series of coordinated Thai military actions that took place in the early hours of July 27.

At 2:00 a.m., Thai forces reportedly fired artillery into the Veal Intry area. Thirty minutes later, she said, additional bombing targeted Ta Thav, Phnom 333 and Phnom Kmoch. By 4:50 a.m., further shelling was directed at the Ta Moan Thom and Ta Krabei temple sites. Then at 6:00 a.m., Thai ground troops reportedly entered Phnom Khmao, An Ses and the Veal Intry area.

The spokesperson added that by 6:30 a.m., a large-scale ground incursion was underway involving Thai infantry and armored vehicles advancing into multiple Cambodian locations including Veal Intry 5 Makara, Phnom Khmao and An Ses.

Maly Socheata described the offensive as a deliberate and premeditated act of aggression. She noted that the renewed hostilities came despite ongoing efforts by United States President Donald Trump to negotiate a ceasefire, including late-night diplomacy on July 26.

The Cambodian Ministry of Culture and Fine Arts has issued a strong statement condemning Thailand for what it describes as continued heavy weapon attacks on the Preah Vihear temple, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a key symbol of Cambodian national heritage.

In a statement released on July 27, 2025, the ministry said renewed military action by Thai forces has caused unprecedented damage to the ancient site. Key structural elements and surrounding areas have reportedly suffered serious destruction.

As a World Heritage Site recognized by UNESCO, the temple of Preah Vihear holds deep cultural and historical significance for Cambodia. It stands as a symbol of national identity, historical continuity and the spiritual legacy of the Cambodian people.

The ministry warned that the strikes not only violate Cambodia’s sovereignty but also pose a threat to the shared cultural heritage of humanity. It called on Thailand to accept full responsibility for the incident.

In its public statement, the ministry urged the deployment of international observers to assess the extent of the damage and to help safeguard the site. It further stated that Cambodia will continue to compile documentation of all destruction and pursue legal action through the International Criminal Court and other relevant international institutions in its quest for justice and reparations.

The situation has raised alarm among cultural preservationists and international observers concerned about the protection of world heritage in conflict zones.

The Secretary-General of the United Nations, António Guterres, has expressed deep concern over the escalating armed conflict along the border between Cambodia and Thailand.

In a message posted on the social media platform X on July 27 2025, António Guterres urged both sides to agree to an immediate ceasefire and to resolve the crisis through dialogue. He affirmed his readiness to join efforts aimed at finding a peaceful solution.

Tensions between the two countries have been rising since July 24, when Thailand launched a military offensive against Cambodia. The conflict began near the site of the Ta Moan Thom temple, located in Cambodia’s Oddar Meanchey province, close to the Thai border.

Despite calls from the international community, including direct intervention by the President of the United States on the night of July 26 Cambodia time, urging both nations to end the hostilities, Thai armed forces continued shelling Cambodian territory into the afternoon of July 27.

The situation remains volatile, with no confirmed ceasefire in place, as concerns grow over the potential for further escalation and regional instability. The United Nations and international partners continue to monitor developments closely.

The daughter of opposition leader Kem Sokha has issued a call for national unity as Cambodia faces rising tensions with neighboring Thailand.

In a message posted on social media today, Kem Monovithya appealed to Cambodian politicians across all parties to come together in good faith, setting aside political divisions in order to present a united front in the face of what she described as foreign encroachment.

Kem Monovithya said Cambodia is currently facing aggression initiated by Thailand, and she urged all political actors and citizens to uphold the spirit of national solidarity more strongly than ever before.

She cautioned that in such a tense situation, Cambodian politicians should refrain from making statements or taking actions that could benefit a foreign party or undermine the national interest. She warned that such conduct could risk weakening Cambodia’s standing or embolden external threats during this time of conflict.

Despite existing political differences, Kem Monovithya called on all Cambodians to show patience and forgiveness toward one another, emphasizing that unity and mutual understanding among Cambodians are essential in such a fragile moment.

Her remarks come amid heightened tensions along the Thai-Cambodian border. In response to recent clashes, both Prime Minister Hun Manet and ruling party leader Hun Sen have called for national solidarity and trust in the government’s efforts to defend Cambodian territory.

Speaking at the closing of the Cambodian Youth Federation Congress in late June 2025, Hun Manet stated that only through national unity and solidarity could Cambodia become strong enough to defend its sovereignty and territorial integrity against foreign encroachment.

On the same issue, political analyst Vann Chanlot said that genuine national unity is only possible if both citizens and politicians are willing to stand up for justice. However, he suggested that achieving such unity remains difficult in Cambodia today due to a lack of value placed on truth.

Vann Chanlot argued that the current political environment is divided, with one side engaging in accusations and blame while the other responds with arrests and control. As a result, he warned, Cambodia’s political landscape remains dominated by two morally compromised factions, making reconciliation and national unity increasingly difficult.

Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet has called on Asim Iftikhar, the rotating president of the United Nations Security Council, to convene an emergency meeting in response to what he describes as an armed incursion by Thai forces into Cambodian territory.

In a letter dated July 24, Hun Manet requested urgent intervention to halt what he termed deliberate attacks by Thai troops along the border, including at the Ta Moan Thom Temple, Ta Krabei Temple and the Mom Bei area.

He said the border crisis stems from Thailand’s claim to Cambodian sovereign land based on an unilaterally drawn map lacking legal basis. He added that the action violates the spirit and letter of the 2000 Memorandum of Understanding signed by both countries.

According to Hun Manet, Thailand used the pretext of a landmine explosion to justify its actions, even though the incident occurred after Thai troops deviated from a jointly agreed patrol path and constructed a new road through a former war zone still contaminated with unexploded ordnance.

The Cambodian leader said his country’s forces had no choice but to respond in self-defense to protect national sovereignty and territorial integrity. He stated that the Thai military incursion appeared premeditated despite the existence of the 1904 and 1907 Franco-Siamese treaties, which both sides have officially recognized.

At 8:46 a.m. on July 24, Thai troops reportedly opened fire on Cambodian soldiers stationed at Ta Moan Thom Temple. The fighting later spread to Ta Krabei Temple, Phnom Khmao, and the Mom Bei area. Cambodian officials say Thai forces used both firearms and two aerial munitions during the operation.

Cambodia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs issued a statement condemning the incident as a serious violation of international law and called on Thailand to immediately cease all hostilities and withdraw its forces behind its own border.

The Cambodian government reiterated its commitment to peace, dialogue and a diplomatic resolution to the conflict. However, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs affirmed Cambodia’s right to self-defense as enshrined in Article 51 of the United Nations Charter and pledged to take all necessary measures to defend the country’s sovereignty, territorial integrity and the safety of its people.

Following the confrontation, Cambodian troops regained full control of both Ta Krabei and Ta Moan Thom temples. Cambodian officials say several Thai soldiers were killed or wounded in the fighting, while others abandoned their weapons and retreated.

At a press conference held today, Cambodia’s Ministry of National Defense claimed Thai attacks had targeted not only military positions but also areas inhabited by civilians. Cambodian forces, according to the ministry, confined their counterattack to Thai military sites.

Addressing the same issue, ruling party leader Hun Sen accused Thai Second Army Region commander Bunshin Phatklang of initiating the conflict. He said Bunshin Phatklang ordered the closure of Ta Moan Thom Temple on Wednesday and launched the assault against Cambodian troops the following day.

Hun Sen concluded by saying he is watching closely how the Thai commander carries out what he reportedly boasted would be a three-day takeover of Cambodian territory.

The Cambodian Ministry of Information says it identified and curbed more than 3,600 cases of fake news during 2024, marking a 14 percent increase compared to the previous year.

Speaking at the 20th Asia Media Summit in Siem Reap, Information Minister Neth Pheaktra said the rapid advancement of artificial intelligence is making it increasingly difficult for the public to distinguish real news from content generated by machines.

He noted that fake news continues to proliferate on social media platforms, with many cases targeting national security, politics, tourism, social issues and sensitive investigations. The minister said that once false information surfaces, it is essential for accurate and verified news to be disseminated as quickly as possible.

According to the Ministry, a total of 3,621 instances of false or misleading content were documented and addressed in 2024. In the first half of 2025 alone, 1,757 cases were recorded, reflecting a 3.29 percent increase compared to the same period in 2024 and a 15 percent rise from 2023.

Neth Pheaktra stressed that AI-generated misinformation poses growing risks to social stability, particularly in an era where technology is evolving faster than regulatory frameworks.

Soeng Senkaruna, head of the Australia-based Cambodian Centre for Democracy, warned that fake news is accelerating globally due to the spread of digital tools such as AI and social networking platforms. He said much of the disinformation is created by individuals or groups seeking personal or political gain, often distorting facts to provoke public unrest and confusion.

Soeng Senkaruna added that politically motivated misinformation is especially dangerous in Cambodia’s current context, where tensions with Thailand over a border dispute are running high. He cited as an example a report by Thai outlet Khaosod on June 8, which claimed Cambodia had agreed to withdraw troops from the Mom Bei area. In reality, both sides had only agreed to adjust troop deployments, not withdraw.

As concerns about digital misinformation continue to grow, Cambodian authorities say they are stepping up efforts to monitor and respond to content that could endanger national cohesion or regional stability.

A Cambodian social affairs analyst has raised questions over the country’s nationality policy, arguing that any foreign government requesting Cambodian citizenship for its nationals living in Cambodia should, in return, offer citizenship to Cambodians residing in their own territory.

On Monday, analyst Lao Mong Hay stated on Facebook that if foreign governments do not offer citizenship to their nationals residing illegally in Cambodia, there is little justification for asking Cambodia to naturalise them. He added that most foreign residents in the country already hold nationality from their country of origin and do not require Cambodian citizenship.

His comments follow government confirmation that thousands of Vietnamese nationals living illegally in Cambodia have been granted Cambodian citizenship. As of 2025, the Ministry of Interior reports more than 5,000 foreign nationals have received Cambodian citizenship since 1999, the majority believed to be Vietnamese.

According to official data, approximately 4,685 of the 5,000 foreign citizens naturalised in Cambodia are Vietnamese. A letter from the Ministry of Interior dated July 10, 2020, shows that only 315 permanent residency applications were from nationals of ten other foreign countries, while over 89,000 applications were from Vietnamese nationals.

The same letter confirms that more than 28,000 Vietnamese families are currently living in Cambodia as permanent residents. These figures suggest a dramatic imbalance in the granting of Cambodian legal status to foreign nationals, heavily favoring one group.

Critics argue this policy may effectively grant automatic citizenship to tens of thousands of Vietnamese nationals. Under Article 19 of Cambodia’s nationality law, foreign nationals who maintain legal residency in Cambodia for seven consecutive years become eligible for Cambodian citizenship through naturalisation.

Based on that law, over 89,000 permanent residents, including roughly 89,471 Vietnamese nationals who have resided in Cambodia since 2019, could become Cambodian citizens by 2026.

Analysts further claim that while Vietnamese authorities have not explicitly demanded Cambodian citizenship for their nationals, they have consistently requested permanent residency status, which under Cambodian law can lead to automatic citizenship after seven years.

This debate highlights long-standing sensitivities surrounding nationality, migration, and demographic balance in Cambodia. The government has yet to issue a formal response to calls for more reciprocal or transparent nationality practices.

In Cambodia, political observers are urging the government to take a stronger stance following recent threats from Thai authorities to unilaterally close Ta Moan Thom Temple, an ancient site along the disputed border between the two countries. The call comes amid rising tensions and an increase in Cambodian visitors to the temple.

On Monday, Man Nath, head of the Cambodia Watch Council, wrote on his Facebook page that the Cambodian government must formally notify Thailand through diplomatic channels and issue an official statement condemning the threats. He also recommended invoking international mechanisms, including a request to ASEAN and a call to reconvene the 1991 Paris Peace Agreement signatories, to reaffirm Cambodia’s territorial integrity and sovereignty.

Man Nath further suggested that Cambodia notify the United Nations Security Council while continuing legal proceedings against Thailand at the International Court of Justice.

The Cambodian observer accused Thailand of acting as though it owns Ta Moan Thom Temple by treating Cambodian visitors as mere foreign tourists. He called Thailand’s behavior aggressive and indicative of what he described as an unashamed attempt to encroach upon Cambodian heritage.

He pointed to recent Thai construction in the disputed area surrounding the temple, including new roads and military installations, as evidence of serious violations of international law. These developments, he said, demonstrate Thailand’s persistent efforts to assert control over Cambodian territory.

On July 22, Thai newspaper The Nation quoted Lieutenant General Boonsin Padklang, commander of Thailand’s Second Army Region, who threatened to close Ta Moan Thom Temple for seven days. He blamed Cambodia for failing to properly manage the influx of Cambodian visitors.

Earlier this week, on Monday, Thai acting Prime Minister Phumtham Wechayachai warned that two Thai police units equipped with anti-riot gear had already been deployed at the temple to maintain order and respond to what he called “inappropriate behavior” by Cambodian tourists.

Ta Moan Thom is one of four ancient sites at the center of an ongoing territorial dispute. The other locations include Mom Bei area, Ta Moan Thom Temple, and Ta Krabei Temple. Cambodia has previously stated it has filed legal action against Thailand at the International Court of Justice over these sites, though to date no formal case documents have been made public.

The lack of visible legal progress has raised concern among Cambodian citizens, many of whom suspect the government of misleading the public. They point to continued Thai activity in the area as evidence that encroachment remains unchecked, while Cambodian authorities have yet to take any concrete countermeasures.

This latest border tension highlights the fragile nature of sovereignty in areas rich with cultural and historical significance, and raises the question of how international mechanisms might play a role in resolving disputes that span centuries.