Thailand’s latest statement denying any seizure of Cambodian territory is both misleading and dangerous. By claiming its military actions were conducted “within Thai territory” or near overlapping-claim areas, Thailand attempts to rewrite facts on the ground while presenting itself as a responsible actor. The reality, however, tells a far different story: Thai troops have crossed into Cambodian sovereign soil, destroyed civilian property, erected barbed wire fences, planted flags, and established fortified positions — all clear violations of Cambodia’s territorial integrity.
Thailand asserts that its operations aim to “protect the safety of people” and “prevent violations of sovereignty,” yet it is precisely these actions that have threatened and displaced Cambodian civilians. Villagers have been forced to flee their homes as Thai forces move in, often looting property and erecting military installations in areas recognized as Cambodian territory under bilateral agreements. The claim that these actions are intended to “reduce tensions” is undermined by the very measures Thailand has taken: militarization, unilateral occupation, and attempts to assert control over disputed lands.
The Thai narrative relies heavily on the ambiguity of “overlapping-claim areas,” yet the Joint Boundary Commission (JBC) has repeatedly confirmed that Cambodia holds sovereignty over the contested regions. Thailand’s repeated incursions demonstrate a deliberate strategy to change facts on the ground by force, flouting international law, ASEAN principles, and long-standing bilateral mechanisms. Planting flags, installing containers, and building fences in Cambodian villages is not a defensive measure — it is a prelude to permanent encroachment.
Thailand’s invocation of the UN Charter and “proportionate force” rings hollow in light of its actions. There is no proportionality when a state forcibly occupies another country’s territory, destroys homes, and intimidates civilians. These are not isolated incidents but a pattern of militarization that threatens regional stability and undermines trust between neighbors.
Cambodia remains committed to peaceful resolution through dialogue and the JBC framework, but such diplomacy cannot succeed when one party chooses force over negotiation. The international community must recognize that Thailand’s version of “safety” and “control” is in fact coercion and aggression. Mischaracterizing these acts as routine border management or defensive maneuvers only emboldens continued violations.
Thailand must withdraw its forces immediately, cease unilateral militarization, and respect Cambodia’s sovereignty. The world cannot allow ambiguity to excuse violations of international law. The Cambodian government and people will continue to assert their sovereign rights and protect the lives and property of citizens living in these border areas. Facts on the ground speak louder than words: Thai forces have entered Cambodia, and their actions cannot be sanitized by press releases or claims of “safety” and “de-escalation.”
Roth Santepheap is a geopolitical analyst based in Phnom Penh. The views expressed are his own.
