Regarding Cambodia’s Stance on Thailand’s Persistent Acts of Aggression and Unilateral Provocative Actions July 31, 2026
Regarding Cambodia’s Stance on Thailand’s Persistent Acts of Aggression and Unilateral Provocative Actions July 31, 2026
Cambodia PR Team Responses
Regarding Cambodia’s Stance on Thailand’s Persistent Acts of Aggression and Unilateral Provocative Actions
July 31, 2026
Q1: How does Cambodia respond to the Thai side’s repeated claims that it respects international law and has not escalated tensions?
A: Thailand’s assertion that it respects international law and has not escalated tensions does not correspond with the actual actions that have occurred along the border—in other words, Thailand’s words and deeds are completely contradictory. In fact, Thai armed forces have continued to carry out numerous unilateral activities, such as allocating disputed land to Thai citizens, installing shipping containers and barbed wire, illegally occupying territory, threatening civilians, clearing land, constructing roads and permanent structures, as well as raising national flags and building statues in areas falling under Cambodia’s sovereign territory.
These actions, which have taken place after the ceasefire, constitute a complete violation of the ceasefire and agreements aimed at de-escalating tensions, as well as the spirit of maintaining stability and avoiding confrontation. Therefore, based on actual actions, what the Thai side has been doing does not constitute self-defense or the non-escalation of tensions. On the contrary, these actions demonstrate an attempt to create a unilateral fait accompli, which runs counter to international law and is not an act of self-defense in any way.
Q2: The Thai side frequently claims that border issues should be resolved through bilateral mechanisms and that unilateral interpretations should be avoided. How does Cambodia respond to this assertion?
A: Cambodia strongly supports the resolution of border issues through bilateral mechanisms such as the JBC, GBC, and RBC, which have been agreed upon by both sides, and Cambodia has actively and continuously participated in these mechanisms. However, the Thai side’s implementation of unilateral actions on the ground, such as occupation, construction of permanent structures, or alteration of the status quo in disputed areas, clearly contradicts the spirit and principles of these bilateral mechanisms.
Under the 2000 Memorandum of Understanding and the principles of international law, both sides must maintain the status quo until a formal agreement is reached. Therefore, any action that alters this situation cannot be claimed as being implemented within the bilateral framework. In this regard, Cambodia emphasizes that respect for bilateral mechanisms must be demonstrated through concrete actions on the ground and sincere implementation, not merely through words.
Q3: How does Cambodia respond to the Thai side’s call to avoid unilateral dissemination of information and to maintain mutual trust?
A: Cambodia agrees that the dissemination of accurate information, avoiding the spread of misinformation, and building mutual trust are indeed necessary in this sensitive situation. However, trust cannot be achieved through mere verbal appeals; it must be based on concrete actions that comply with agreements and international law.
In the current context, continued unilateral actions along the border, while simultaneously calling for calm and the avoidance of misinformation, can create misunderstandings and undermine mutual trust. Therefore, trust-building should begin with full respect for existing agreements, the cessation of actions that could escalate tensions, and the enhancement of cooperative integrity. Cambodia remains committed to resolving disputes peacefully through bilateral mechanisms and international law, and its firm stance on defending sovereignty and territorial integrity cannot be compromised.
