Defence Ministry: Thailand’s Increased Border Activities Pose Serious Threat to Peace and Security

AKP-Phnom Penh, June 17, 2025 –The Ministry of National Defence of Cambodia has raised concerns over escalating activities by Thailand along the common border, underlining that such actions pose a serious threat to peace and security in the two countries.

In a press release issued this evening, the Ministry affirmed that Cambodia remains committed to peace and to resolving the ongoing border dispute through legal and responsible means—specifically via the International Court of Justice (ICJ)—with regard to the Ta Moan Thom, Ta Moan Tauch and Ta Krabei temple complexes, as well as the Mom Bei area.

The statement recalled that Cambodia hosted a meeting of the Joint Border Commission (JBC) on June 14-15, 2025, during which both sides agreed on tasks to be carried out next.

“Unfortunately, the Thai side has not respected the agreement and has even escalated its activities in violation of Cambodia’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, contrary to the 2000 Memorandum of Understanding (MoU 2000),” the Ministry stressed. “The Thai side has flown more drones, dug trenches, mobilised and increased various types of support weapons, constructed infrastructure, and deployed additional troops along the border in Preah Vihear and Oddar Meanchey provinces. These moves pose a serious threat to the peace and security of the two nations.”

The Ministry of National Defence reiterated the Cambodian armed forces’ unwavering support for the Royal Government’s peaceful and lawful approach, based on international law. It affirmed that both the military and the people across Cambodia remain united in respecting the sovereignty of neighbouring countries, while standing firmly against any form of aggression.

“Cambodia is determined to transform the border areas into zones of peace but will never allow any violation of its territorial integrity and will protect its sovereignty at all costs,” the statement concluded.

By C. Nika