The mother of former monk Chea Vuthy has called on the court to release her son, describing the charge of incitement against him as unjust and unacceptable.

Chan Mao told The Cambodia Daily that she is deeply concerned about her son, who is currently being held in prison. She said the accusation of incitement was unfair, insisting that her son had been actively engaged in social issues, particularly matters relating to national affairs and border concerns.

She urged the court to grant him freedom so he could continue contributing to the country.

Chan Mao works as a daily wage labourer planting taro in Kampong Chhnang province, earning around 30,000 riel a day. She said part of her income is used to support her living expenses, while the rest is saved to buy food to send to her son in prison in Phnom Penh.

On April 1, 2026, authorities in Battambang defrocked Chea Vuthy at Thammnimitt Reach Bopha Ram pagoda, also known as Wat Pacha, in Battambang city. No clear reason was given at the time, although he had been active on social media, often criticising the government and raising concerns about border issues.

Two days later, Phnom Penh Municipal Police issued a statement saying he had violated monastic rules and was facing a charge of incitement.

According to the statement dated April 3, authorities arrested Chea Vuthy under a court warrant issued on March 31 by an investigating judge at the Phnom Penh Municipal Court. He was charged with incitement to cause serious social disorder.

He has since been sent to court and placed in pre-trial detention at a prison in Phnom Penh following a decision by the investigating judge.

Cambodia’s Constitution states in Article 35 that all citizens have the right to participate actively in the political, economic, social, and cultural life of the nation. It also says that citizens’ requests should be carefully considered and addressed by state institutions.

A Cambodian opposition politician has said the case of former Cambodia National Rescue Party leader Kem Sokha is political in nature and should be resolved through political means among top leaders.

Meach Sovannara, president of the New Generation Party, told The Cambodia Daily that the case has weighed on Cambodia for nearly a decade, as both domestic and international observers have struggled to accept the treason charges brought against the opposition leader.

Meach Sovannara said resolving the case is not only about Kem Sokha’s personal freedom, but also about reopening democratic space and improving human rights in Cambodia.

He added that a resolution could also benefit Cambodian citizens by improving economic conditions through better diplomatic relations with the United States and the European Union, particularly in relation to trade preferences that had previously been linked to Kem Sokha’s release.

Beyond diplomacy and individual freedom, he said the broader goal should be national unity at a time when Cambodia faces external pressures. He noted that unity is also a stated objective of the government.

Meach Sovannara said Cambodia could progress if political leaders are treated as competitors, but warned that treating them as enemies risks weakening the country. A divided nation, he said, lacks the strength to move forward.

On April 3, 2026, the Phnom Penh Appeal Court summoned Kem Sokha to appear for a hearing on April 8, 2026, over an appeal related to charges of collusion with a foreign power. The case concerns alleged activities said to have taken place between 1993 and September 3, 2017.

Suon Rida, a former lawmaker from the Cambodia National Rescue Party and a senior official of the Nation Power Party, said Kem Sokha would attend the hearing as scheduled.

He also called on the court to drop all charges against Kem Sokha in the interest of national reconciliation, saying genuine unity is widely desired by the Cambodian people.

The Appeal Court had previously postponed the hearing, originally scheduled for December 18, 2025, to early 2026, making this the first session of the year after a delay of more than three months.

Kem Sokha was arrested in a midnight raid on September 3, 2017. Two months later, on November 16, the Supreme Court dissolved the Cambodia National Rescue Party following a complaint by the ruling Cambodian People’s Party, which accused Kem Sokha of conspiring with the United States to overthrow the government led by Hun Sen.

Six years later, on March 3, 2023, the Phnom Penh Municipal Court sentenced Kem Sokha to 27 years in prison. He was placed under house arrest, stripped of his political rights for life, and barred from meeting others.

A Cambodian social and economic development researcher has questioned why the government has not taken renewed legal action against Thailand at the International Court of Justice over alleged incursions near the Preah Vihear temple.

Chey Tech, speaking in a video posted on social media, expressed concern that Thailand’s military has continued to advance into areas where Cambodia previously secured legal victories at the court. He suggested Phnom Penh could seek a fresh interpretation of the ruling to address the current situation.

According to Chey Tech, Thai forces have been carrying out activities including laying barbed wire, digging trenches, building structures, and constructing stairways leading toward Phnom Trop. He said similar actions have also been reported near Keo Sikha Kiri Svara pagoda, an area already addressed in past International Court of Justice rulings in Cambodia’s favor.

He claimed that Thai troops have been moving into Cambodian territory daily, while Cambodia has so far relied on diplomatic measures, evidence gathering, and potential legal steps. He also alleged that Thailand has not consistently respected diplomatic agreements, including a joint statement issued in October 2025.

The researcher said that despite Cambodia’s position, the situation raises questions about why the government has not yet filed a case with the International Court of Justice, allowing what he described as continued encroachment.

Tensions reportedly escalated on April 4, 2026, when Thai troops laid around 100 meters of barbed wire, deployed armored vehicles, and cleared land near the northern area of Keo Sikha Kiri Svara pagoda. The activity led to a verbal confrontation with Cambodian soldiers at the scene.

As of now, the Cambodian government has not confirmed whether Thai forces have withdrawn from the disputed positions.

In a statement released on April 5, 2026, Cambodia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation said it strongly opposed what it described as repeated unlawful actions by Thai armed forces in areas under illegal occupation in Preah Vihear province.

The ministry stated that Thai troops had cleared land near the temple, laid approximately 100 meters of barbed wire, and deployed armored vehicles in the Bos Sbov and Cham Te areas.

Cambodia rejected any attempt to alter the situation on the ground through territorial occupation, saying such actions violate its sovereignty and territorial integrity under the 1904 Franco-Siamese Convention and the 1907 treaty.

The Cambodia Daily said it had not yet been able to reach government spokesperson Pen Bona for comment at the time of publication.

Cambodia’s National Assembly has unanimously approved a draft law aimed at combating online fraud, in a move authorities say will strengthen efforts to tackle technology-related crime.

The legislation was passed on March 30, 2026, with all 112 lawmakers voting in favour during the fifth plenary session of the Assembly. The decision followed hours of discussion and clarification involving members of parliament and government representatives earlier in the day.

The approval comes after the Assembly’s Standing Committee reviewed and endorsed the draft on March 26, 2026. Under legislative procedure, the bill will now be sent to the Senate for further review and approval, although no timeline has been announced.

According to officials, the draft law is designed to improve the effectiveness of crackdowns on cybercrime, with a particular focus on online fraud operations and the organisation or management of scam centres. It introduces tougher penalties for offenders.

Those who train others to commit such crimes, provide accommodation to support operations, or collect private data with malicious intent would also face legal punishment under the proposed law.

The draft was prepared by the Ministry of Justice on February 11, 2026, in collaboration with relevant ministries and institutions. It consists of five chapters and 24 articles.

The justice minister told reporters that offenders could face severe penalties, including life imprisonment in cases involving additional serious crimes such as kidnapping or murder.

A report from the Ministry of Justice says that over the past eight months, Cambodian courts have processed 79 cases linked to online fraud. Around 700 suspects, including ringleaders and accomplices of various nationalities, have been convicted.

The report also states that more than 220,000 foreign nationals connected to online scam operations have left Cambodia by land and air routes.

Cambodia’s senate president Hun Sen has said the Danish government supports Cambodia’s position on resolving its border dispute with Thailand, particularly its commitment to a ceasefire and peaceful negotiations.

In a message posted on Facebook on Monday, Hun Sen said Denmark’s ambassador to Cambodia, Danny Annan, had expressed appreciation for Cambodia’s approach to the dispute. According to Hun Sen, the ambassador welcomed Cambodia’s adherence to a ceasefire announced on December 27, 2025, and its efforts to seek a peaceful solution.

Hun Sen added that relations between Cambodia and Denmark still hold considerable potential for further cooperation. He said both sides could expand collaboration in areas such as trade, investment, and economic development, while also strengthening political and diplomatic ties.

Tensions between Cambodia and Thailand escalated in 2025, with armed clashes breaking out twice along the disputed border. The first round of fighting took place from July 24 to July 28, while a second confrontation occurred between December 7 and December 27.

Both countries accused each other of initiating the attacks during the two clashes.

Speaking at an event in late December 2025 announcing the production of a new class of large warships alongside the United States Secretary of Defense and the United States Secretary of the Navy, United States President Donald Trump said Thailand had been the side that started the conflict with Cambodia.

However, some analysts say Cambodia must strengthen its own national capacity rather than rely on major powers.

Social development researcher Meas Nee said last weekend that if Cambodia does not become stronger on its own, major powers such as China and the United States will not treat it as a genuine partner.

Meas Nee warned that powerful countries may see weaker states merely as tools. If Cambodia is useful as leverage, he said, it may be used, but if it cannot serve that purpose, it could be abandoned.

During the early stage of the border tensions in 2025, China’s state news agency Xinhua reported in mid-September that China and Thailand had scheduled joint air force training exercises to be held in Thailand during the same month.

Thai media outlet Khaosod later reported in January 2026 that the United States had provided Thailand with 100 million dollars in assistance to strengthen Thai military capabilities along the border.

Meanwhile, Thailand’s army said in late February 2026 that following talks between senior Thai and United States military commanders on February 23, Washington had agreed to provide Thailand with an additional 17 Stryker eight-wheeled armored vehicles under the Excess Defense Articles program.

According to the Thai military, the vehicles are not a direct purchase but part of a security assistance arrangement in which equipment is transferred at low cost or free of charge, with Thailand responsible for transportation, repairs, and maintenance.

A Cambodian political observer is urging the government to adopt three major measures simultaneously to respond to what he describes as Thailand’s encroachment along the border.

Men Nat, president of the Cambodia Watchdog Council, said Phnom Penh should act on three fronts. These include defending Cambodia’s territorial integrity on the ground, intensifying diplomatic pressure at the highest international level to demand that Thai forces withdraw from Cambodian territory, and filing urgent cases against Thailand at both the International Court of Justice and the International Criminal Court.

Writing on his Facebook account on Thursday, Men Nat said the actions of Thai troops, such as deploying shipping containers, installing barbed wire, building permanent structures, erecting statues, and digging trenches on land he claims belongs to Cambodia, amount to acts of invasion and serious violations of international law.

The social commentator stated that since the two countries agreed to a ceasefire at the end of December 2025, Thai forces have continued to expand their presence inside Cambodian territory. He argued that Cambodia’s government has yet to take concrete measures to halt what he called ongoing incursions.

Men Nat said numerous photos and video clips circulating on Facebook appear to show Thai forces continuing activities inside disputed areas despite the ceasefire that took effect on December 27.

On March 11, Cambodian social media users shared images that they said showed Thai soldiers taking control of a CE brand fuel station in the Thma Da area of Pursat province. The station is believed to belong to a Cambodian company, and signage at the site reportedly includes Khmer language text reading “supermarket.”

Earlier, on March 9, another video circulated online appearing to show the construction of a large Buddha statue on what is known as Mountain 400 in the Ta Sim area near Phnom Troup in Preah Vihear province. A separate clip shared on March 8 appeared to show Thai soldiers raising their national flag on Mountain 225 near Ta Krabey temple.

Additional footage posted online shows what appears to be the construction of concrete bunkers around Ta Moan Thom temple in Oddar Meanchey province. Another video reportedly shows Thai troops digging trenches in the Cham Te area of Preah Vihear province, which observers say could block the movement of Cambodian troops and establish new defensive positions, including barriers against armoured vehicles.

Other clips shared online show groups of civilians and soldiers gathering to sing Thailand’s national anthem at Ta Krabey temple. Additional videos appear to show Thai troops demolishing homes, installing barbed wire, placing shipping containers, and deploying additional forces in areas of Cambodia that Thailand is said to occupy. These areas include parts of Banteay Meanchey, Oddar Meanchey, Preah Vihear, and Pursat provinces.

Cambodia’s opposition figures also said on Thursday that Ta Mok House at the Cham Sangam border crossing in Anlong Veng district of Oddar Meanchey province remains under Cambodian control. However, they claim another Ta Mok House located in the Cham Te area of Choam Ksan district in Preah Vihear province has already fallen under Thai military control. A third site, known as the Red House near Preah Vihear temple, is also said to be under Thai control.

Earlier, on February 23, Banteay Meanchey provincial governor Um Reatrey said Thai forces had fenced off three areas of Cambodian land in the province. According to the governor, Thai troops installed more than one hundred shipping containers and stretches of barbed wire across about 20 locations, covering an estimated 763 hectares of land.

Um Reatrey said similar activities have also been reported in other provinces along the Thai border, including the construction of new bunkers, deployment of containers, installation of barbed wire, excavation of trenches, and the erection of monuments.

Cambodia has firmly rejected comments by Thailand’s foreign minister suggesting that Phnom Penh had postponed negotiations over the two countries’ border dispute until after the traditional New Year holiday.

In a statement released on Thursday, Pen Bona, head of the Royal Government Spokesperson Unit, said Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet had never announced or posted on social media that talks through the Cambodia-Thailand Joint Boundary Commission would be delayed until after the New Year celebrations.

Pen Bona said Cambodia had not requested any delay and remained committed to moving the negotiations forward as quickly as possible. The government, he added, has authorised the Joint Boundary Commission to accelerate its work to resolve border issues and ensure long-term peace along the frontier between the two countries.

The spokesperson also said that since a second ceasefire took effect on December 27, Cambodia’s Secretariat of Border Affairs, representing the Joint Boundary Commission, had formally contacted Thailand five times. In those communications, Cambodia asked the Thai side to send a joint survey team to carry out field measurements along sections of the border.

According to Pen Bona, Thailand repeatedly asked to postpone the process.

The comments came after the Thai newspaper The Nation quoted Thai Foreign Minister Sihasak Phuangketkeow on March 10 as saying that Hun Manet had posted a message indicating that negotiations on the return of disputed border areas would take place only after the Khmer New Year festival, also known as Songkran.

Cambodia’s Secretariat of Border Affairs had earlier issued a statement on February 24 saying that the Cambodian side of the Joint Boundary Commission had sent a diplomatic note to Thailand for the third time on February 23. The note proposed holding a commission meeting during the second week of March 2026.

However, the Thai side has not yet responded to the proposal, according to Cambodian officials. Thailand had previously requested to postpone meetings twice, citing preparations for parliamentary elections and the formation of a new government.

On December 27, 2025, after the third special meeting of the Cambodia-Thailand General Border Committee, both sides issued a joint statement agreeing that the Joint Boundary Commission would continue technical work on border demarcation as soon as possible in accordance with existing agreements.

Reuters reported on March 11 that Thailand’s newly elected parliament is scheduled to convene officially on March 14 following general elections held in early February. A vote to elect the speaker and deputy speaker of parliament is expected to take place on March 15.

Thailand’s new administration is widely expected to begin formally taking office in April.