The Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Ministry has reported to the UN Security Council (UNSC) of a “growing risk” to the ceasefire agreement and that it presents an extremely fragile truce between Cambodia and Thailand.
In a press briefing on Tuesday, ministry spokesperson Chum Sounry said Minister Prak Sokhonn wrote two letters to the UNSC president and UN Secretary-General, informing them of the current situation with Thailand.
It mentioned that Thai military units have repeatedly entered Cambodian territory despite an agreed ceasefire reached on July 28. They have “illegally” laid barbed wire and constructed roads at multiple locations, escalating their activities in An Ses areas in Preah Vihear province.
“They proceeded from laying barbed wire to demolishing Cambodian villagers’ homes and deploying heavy machinery to build fortified bunkers,” Sounry said.
Additionally, a Thai Army Region 2 commander publicly said on August 10 that he “vowed” to reclaim Ta Krabei temple and planned to close the Ta Moan Thom temple.
Sounry said the letters underscored that the actions constituted serious and continued violations of the ceasefire agreement and commitments made during the General Border Committee (GBC) meeting on August 7.
The government demands the Thai government and its army to “immediately cease all incursions”, including illegal activities that violate Cambodia’s sovereignty, as well as withdraw all military personnel and equipment from Cambodia’s territory.
In an afternoon briefing, Socheata rejected Thailand’s accusation that their soldiers were injured by a landmine planted recently by Cambodia in the Ta Moan temple area.
Calling the allegation “baseless” and “unsupported by clear evidence“, and without official or transparent investigation, she reminded the Thai side that the areas are still covered with unexploded ordnance from past conflicts.
On Monday, Sounry said an official protest was lodged with Thailand’s Foreign Affairs Ministry, condemning the increased violations by the Thai armed forces, which are a breach of international law and bilateral agreements.
In response, the Thai ministry said its troops remained in the same position they held when the ceasefire took effect, and accused Cambodia of “misrepresenting” the Thai Second Army Area Commander’s statement regarding Prasat Ta Kwai.
Meanwhile, Socheata reiterated her demand that the Thai side immediately release the 18 Cambodian soldiers who were captured after the ceasefire agreement.
Cambodia also urged Thailand to implement the agreement “responsibly and sincerely” to ensure mutual trust and cooperation in maintaining peace and stability along the border, she said.
During the GBC talk on August 7, Cambodia and Thailand agreed to expanded terms of their ceasefire, including a ban on new troop movements or reinforcements, and assured protection for civilians. Both sides pledged to uphold international humanitarian law, particularly in the treatment of captured soldiers.
