Cambodia rejects ‘unfounded’ Thai media claims of border troop buildup

Defence minister Tea Seiha attends the recent inauguration of a win-win monument in Koh Kong province. Tea Seiha via FB

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Cambodian Minister of National Defence Tea Seiha has rejected claims published in Thai media outlets that alleged, without providing sources, that Cambodia has increased its military forces and weaponry at the border, in preparation for a potential war.

“I have noticed that some media outlets and individuals in Thailand are trying to spread a message that the Cambodian defence ministry is rejecting bilateral mechanisms and is building up troops and weapons to provoke a war in the near future,” said the minister, in a June 9 social media post.

“I would like to clarify that Cambodia remains firmly committed to a peaceful resolution, in accordance with the Joint Statement on the Peace Agreement in Kuala Lumpur on October 26, 2025, the Joint Statement of the 3rd Special Meeting of the Cambodia-Thailand General Border Committee (GBC) on December 27, 2025, and other existing mechanisms,” he added.

“Cambodia hopes that both sides will be able to resolve issues peacefully and absolutely avoid the use of military force,” Seiha continued.

A few days ago, a Thai television station interviewed retired military officers and Thai military information officials who claimed, citing their own internal information, that Cambodia had increased its military strength and that Thailand was fully prepared with “iron horses” or tanks.

-Phnom Penh Post-