Thai Military Actions in Thma Da Raise Border Tensions, Directly Affecting More Than 80 Families, Pursat Governor Says

Thai Military Actions in Thma Da Raise Border Tensions, Directly Affecting More Than 80 Families, Pursat Governor Says

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Thai naval forces have reinstalled razor wire barriers around houses and shops owned by Chinese businessmen in the Thma Da area of Pursat province, an area that Cambodian authorities say has been illegally occupied by Thai troops after the owners removed previous barriers from in front of their properties.

On January 15 and 16, the Ministry of National Defense facilitated a visit by the ASEAN Observer Team (AOT), which conducted on-site inspections in the Thma Da area that has been subject to incursions and occupation by Thai troops.

Cambodian officials described the move as a provocative act that directly contradicts and blatantly violates Point 4 of the December 27, 2025, KL Joint Statement, which states that “both parties agree to allow civilians living in the affected border areas to return as soon as possible, without hindrance and in safety and dignity, to their homes and normal livelihoods in the areas within their own territory”.

Pursat Provincial Governor Khoy Rida said the situation in Thma Da should not be viewed as a normal border dispute but as an act of encroachment and occupation of Cambodian territory by Thai armed forces at four locations, causing serious harm to civilians and public infrastructure.

He identified the four locations invaded by the Thai army as Chor 1, Victory Bridge, also known as the Met Teuk Bridge, Phluk Damrei, and Chay Chumnas, or Gate 56, an area designated as a special economic zone.

He said the encroachment has directly affected more than 80 families, including 39 households that have lost their homes entirely. Other families have been unable to return to their residences because their homes are surrounded or located next to razor wire fences installed by Thai forces.

The damage reported includes administrative buildings at frontline posts, hospital and health centre facilities, commercial buildings and various public infrastructure, particularly the Met Teuk Bridge.

“The Thai military has surrounded the homes of 39 Cambodian families,” Governor Rida said. “We have explained clearly to the AOT team that Cambodia is not threatening or invading anyone. In reality, Thailand is the one encroaching on our territory and threatening us, yet they claim we are the aggressor.”

He said the AOT team had come to understand the situation after the explanation, stressing that the incident was not a temporary clash but a continued occupation.

Thai naval forces have also installed warning signs prohibiting Cambodian civilians from entering their own homes, declaring the area to be under Thai military control, according to local authorities.

Governor Rida acknowledged that about 900 families in Thma Da were relocated to safer areas, with most later able to return home. However, 84 families remain displaced because their homes are surrounded or located next to Thai military razor wire fences.

-Khmer Times-