Cambodia PR Team Responses Regarding the Thai Side’s Claims Concerning Border Issues July 15, 2026

Cambodia PR Team Responses
Regarding the Thai Side’s Claims Concerning Border Issues
July 15, 2026

Q1: What is Cambodia’s stance on Thailand’s denial of the allegation that Thai troops have used force to illegally occupy certain areas, preventing Cambodian civilians from returning to their homes?

A: Thailand’s denial is inaccurate and amounts to nothing but a distortion of the facts, as the evidence on the ground clearly contradicts its claims. In fact, as of July 14, 2026, a total of 20,391 Cambodian civilians have still been unable to return to their homes after their villages and houses were illegally occupied and destroyed by Thai forces following the ceasefire. Furthermore, numerous schools and healthcare centers in the border areas remain closed, demonstrating that the impact on civilians remains tangible. All of these real-world consequences are verifiable. Journalists, observers, foreign Diplomatic Corps, and international organizations that have visited the area have all been eyewitnesses. Therefore, Thailand’s denial cannot conceal the truth and the impact that has been inflicted upon Cambodian civilians.

Q2: How does Cambodia view Thailand’s claim that its deployment of forces within Cambodia’s sovereign territory is consistent with Point 2 of the GBC Joint Statement of December 27, 2025?

A: This is a misinterpretation of the facts. Point 2 of the GBC Joint Statement clearly establishes the principle of “maintaining current position” in order to maintain the status quo and prevent the escalation of tensions along the border, not to authorize any party to take unilateral actions or alter the situation on the ground. In reality, Thai forces have continued land-clearing, constructing infrastructure, installing shipping containers, and carry out various activities that Cambodia considers to be alterations to the actual situation on the ground. If Thailand truly respected the Joint Statement, it should cease all these unilateral actions and implement Point 3 of the Joint Statement by participating in the JBC to continue survey and demarcation work in accordance with conventions, treaties, and international law. This is the only way to demonstrate the integrity of each party and to confirm that no one is encroaching upon anyone else. Evading a fair resolution only amounts to a refusal to confront the truth.