Regarding False Claims by the Thai Side Concerning Provocative Actions in the Border Area and the Alleged Smuggling of Fuel April 3, 2026
Regarding False Claims by the Thai Side Concerning Provocative Actions in the Border Area and the Alleged Smuggling of Fuel April 3, 2026
Cambodia PR Team Responses
Regarding False Claims by the Thai Side Concerning Provocative Actions in the Border Area and the Alleged Smuggling of Fuel
April 3, 2026
Q1: How does Cambodia respond to the Thai side’s allegations regarding Cambodia’s provocative actions at the O Smach Border Checkpoint?
A: Cambodia firmly rejects the Thai side’s allegations regarding Cambodia’s so-called provocative actions, which are “false and baseless.” In fact, Cambodian forces consistently perform their duties in strict compliance with military discipline, leadership directives, and professional principles, while exercising maximum restraint, vigilance, and responsibility to defend national sovereignty and territorial integrity, as they continue striving to maintain a peaceful atmosphere and avoid escalating tensions along the border.
On the contrary, Cambodia has observed that the Thai side has undertaken military actions, such as deploying armored vehicles and personnel into the O Smach Border Checkpoint, as well as reinforced barbed wire in disputed territory, without prior notification to the Cambodian side. These actions not only contradict previously agreed-upon practices but also risk undermining stability and mutual trust between the two parties. As a country that respects international law and bilateral agreements, Cambodia has responded through the military communication mechanism, calling on the Thai side to immediately cease these actions and return to respecting the agreed-upon agreements, including the ceasefire and the Joint Statement.
Q2: What is Cambodia’s position regarding the implementation of the ceasefire with the Thai side?
A: Since the ceasefire took effect, the Royal Government and Cambodian forces have strictly adhered to and fully implemented the Joint Statement of the 3rd Special Meeting of the Cambodia-Thailand General Border Committee (GBC) of 27 December 2025, as well as other relevant agreements, with the highest sense of responsibility. This position demonstrates Cambodia’s commitment to respecting international law and maintaining peace along the border by avoiding the escalation of tensions.
Cambodia continues to act with patience and professionalism, while maintaining communication with the Thai side through existing mechanisms. In this regard, the Ministry of National Defense called on the Thai side to equally respect and implement these agreements with goodwill, dignity, and sincerity, in order to ensure that the situation along the border can return to normalcy, lasting peace, stability, and security for both countries.
Q3: How does Cambodia respond to information from the Thai side alleging the smuggling of fuel from Thailand into Cambodia?
A: Cambodia has clearly stated that “Cambodia has no need to import fuel from Thailand, as it suspended the purchase of oil and gas from Thailand since June 2025 and has sufficient supply sources from other countries.” Therefore, Cambodia calls on the Thai side to use information based on facts and to avoid disseminating reports that could create misunderstandings, while Cambodia continues to uphold clarity, honesty, and respect for the rule of law in addressing these matters.
Furthermore, Samdech Thipadei Hun Manet has ordered all relevant institutions to immediately investigate this case in order to ascertain the facts clearly. Cambodia’s position is neither to protect nor to conceal any wrongdoing. However, if this case is found to be true, the strictest legal measures will be taken against all those involved, without exception, whether private companies or state officials.
