Phnom Penh has accused Thailand of effectively annexing a disputed border village following a fragile truce established just a week ago. The accusation comes after a series of clashes between the two Southeast Asian nations, raising concerns about renewed conflict.
Tensions flared in December, resulting in casualties and the displacement of over a million people from both sides of the border. A ceasefire agreement, reached on December 27th, aimed to halt troop movements and end weeks of escalating confrontations.
Cambodian Information Minister, Neth Pheaktra, stated that the Thai military has initiated the “illegal annexation of Cambodian territory into Thailand, specifically in the village of Chouk Chei.” He alleged that Thai forces have damaged civilian property, erected barbed wire fences and shipping containers to create a “border wall,” and are actively administering the disputed area.
“The unilateral assertion of Thailand’s sovereignty by force is evident through the raising of the Thai flag,” the Minister asserted, adding that “Cambodia will not recognize any alteration of the border resulting from the use of force.” A map provided by the Cambodian Information Ministry allegedly depicts the presence of Thai military personnel in territory claimed by Cambodia within the Chouk Chei region. The map suggests that Thailand has taken control of an area extending approximately 750 meters beyond Phnom Penh’s defined border.
The Thai military has refuted these claims. In a statement, they asserted control over areas that they claim have historically belonged to Thailand but were “occupied” by Cambodia. The Thai military denies using force to seize Cambodian land. They maintain that the locations in question were primarily areas where Cambodian forces had deployed troops and where Cambodian civilians resided, constituting an infringement upon Thailand’s sovereignty.
DZWatch is continuing to monitor the situation closely and will provide updates as they become available.
