Displaced Cambodians in limbo as nationalist victory in Thailand adds to pressure

By Reuters
February 13, 202611:39 AM GMTUpdated February 13, 2026

 

A woman prepares food at Wat Chansi refugee camp, where residents from Prey Chan village and Chouk Chey village have been staying since clashes between Thailand and Cambodia, in Banteay Meanchey province, Cambodia, February 11, 2026. REUTERS/Soveit Yarn

PREAH VIHEAR, Cambodia, Feb 13 (Reuters) - Six weeks after a ceasefire ended fighting at the Thai-Cambodian border, thousands of displaced Cambodians still hope to return home, despite an election victory in Thailand by nationalists who want to wall off the disputed frontier.

In Banteay Meanchey province, Proeung Sopheap, 59, was visiting her abandoned home in the border village of Prey Chan for the first time since the December clashes to collect some personal belongings and cooking utensils.

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"I don't know what led to this fighting," she said. "Like other Cambodians, I want peace, not war."

In an election last week, Thailand's Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul romped to victory on a platform that includes building a wall at the border.

During a visit to the area on the Cambodian side, most of the people Reuters spoke to said they knew nothing about last week's Thai vote or what the implications might be for the area.

Pich Vorn, displaced from the neighbouring village of Chouk Chey, said he just wanted his house and land back.

"Even if it is small, it is where I have lived for many years."

ពលរដ្ឋថៃជាច្រើនប្រតិកម្មមិនសុខចិត្តខ្មែរ លួច ចុះនេះចុះនោះសប់មុខខណះអ្នកនយោបាយថៃអាឡៃតែឈ្លោះគ្នា...

 

Apart from a tiny minority, most Thais grow up thinking and believing everything they have and 'owned' are of their national origins and heritage, from culture, dress and written script to ancient temples and lands, including "lost lands" that Thailand presently is seizing from Cambodia illegally along the border. Little do they know that even their capital city - "Bangkok" - is a derivative of Khmer word: 'Boeung Kok'. At most historical sites in Thailand one can still see Khmer script written in Pali or Sanskrit because this was - and still is - believed to be endowed with religious authority or prowess. 

The Thais would have to return to their T'ai birthplace in southern China to find their own authentic identity and culture. Most Thai xenophobes and ultra-nationalists' hatred towards Khmers and Cambodia today is partly a reflection of this bitter and twisted inferiority complex and their collective inability to own up to the truth, resulting from centuries of historical distortions and misinformation on the part of Thailand's school curriculum and deliberately falsified historical accounts. 

 

 - Social media

 

 

ការបន្តចាប់ឃុំខ្លួនអ្នកនិយាយរឿងព្រំដែននិងបញ្ហាសង្គមកំពុងក្លាយជាក្តីបារម្ភពីវិនាសកម្មជាតិ

បក្ស អនុធិន ឈ្នះឆ្នោតហើយ តើនឹងមានរឿងអ្វីបន្តទៀត?

ទស្សនៈបណ្ឌិតកែមឡី

ថ្ងៃទី 9 ខែ 2ឆ្នាំ 2026 ពីរខែមួយថ្ងៃរក្សាភាពស្ងៀមស្ងាត់របៀបម៉េចបើគេធ្វើដល់ថ្នាក់ហ្នឹងតើខ្ញុំមានវាសនាបាននូវភូមិជោគជ័យវិញឬមួយក៏អត់ទេ។

ថៃនាំមន្រ្តី FBI ក្លែងក្លាយទៅពិនិត្យអគារ អូរស្មាច់ ក្នុងដីកម្ពុជា

She's right ...

ដូចផ្លូវសម្ងាត់​ ដ៏អាថ៌កំបាំងក្នុងល្អាង

"Sensitive issue"?

Cambodia asks France to provide historical evidence to help settle Thai border dispute

By Reuters
February 5, 20268:09 AM GMTUpdated 10 hours ago
 

 

Cambodia's Prime Minister Hun Manet attends the retreat session of the 45th ASEAN Summit at the National Convention Centre in Vientiane, Laos, October 9, 2024. REUTERS/Athit Perawongmetha 
 

 

PHNOM PENH, Feb 5 (Reuters) - Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet has asked France to provide historical documents to help resolve an enduring border dispute with Thailand that twice spilled over into armed conflict last year, Cambodia's foreign ministry said on Thursday.

Hun Manet wrote to French President Emmanuel Macron asking for access to any historical and technical documents that France might have that relate to the border, and also welcomed France's expertise and advisory support, the foreign ministry said in a statement dated February 4.

The 817-km (508-mile) border was first mapped by France in 1907, when Cambodia was its colony, and was based on the natural watershed dividing the country from Thailand.

Disputed territories include several renowned historical sites, including the 11th century Hindu temple Preah Vihear, known to Thais as the Khao Phra Viharn.

France's Embassy in Cambodia and the Thai foreign ministry did not immediately respond to separate requests for comment.

ដេញខ្មែរ ថែ ក្រពេី

ជនភៀសសឹក​ត្អូញត្អែរ​ពី​គោលការណ៍​មិន​ច្បាស់លាស់​របស់​រដ្ឋាភិបាល​ក្នុង​ការ​ដោះស្រាយ​បញ្ហា​ដីធ្លី និង​ផ្ទះ​សម្បែង ក្រោយ​យោធា​ថៃ​រំលោភ​...

Boeing and Air Cambodia Announce Airline's Largest Single-Aisle Order for up to 20 737 MAX Jets

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Feb 03, 2026, 02:08 ET
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-  Southeast Asian carrier places its first order with Boeing, boosting regional growth with the fuel-efficient 737-8
-  The 737 MAX will be the first Boeing airplanes operated by a Cambodian airline

SINGAPORE, Feb. 3, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Boeing [NYSE: BA] and Air Cambodia today announced the airline's largest single-aisle order for up to 20 737 MAX airplanes in an agreement unveiled at the Singapore Airshow. This marks the Southeast Asian carrier's first purchase of fuel-efficient Boeing airplanes.

The airline finalized its firm order for 10 737-8 jets and opportunity for 10 more in December 2025. The order was previously unidentified on Boeing's Orders and Deliveries website.
 

 

New Boeing customer, Air Cambodia, orders up to 20 737 MAX jets that will fly in the airline’s new livery.

With the 737 MAX, Air Cambodia will renew and grow its fleet as air travel serves an increasing role in connecting people and places throughout the region. The airline will leverage the 737-8's capabilities, efficiency and passenger comfort features for its expanding network of high-demand routes across Asia.

"The 737-8 gives Air Cambodia the ideal combination of range, capacity and fuel efficiency to support our next phase of growth," said Dr. David Zhan, CEO of Air Cambodia. "This investment – Air Cambodia's largest narrowbody purchase – will let us launch direct services to important markets across North and Southeast Asia, and offer competitively priced travel for passengers, while creating local jobs and training opportunities that strengthen our communities."

The 737-8, which can fly up to 178 passengers in a two-class configuration with a range up to 3,500 nautical miles (6,480 km), is well-suited to support the airline's growing regional network. Air Cambodia will benefit from the airplane's flexible capacity and lower operating costs due to a 20% reduction in fuel use and emissions compared to the airplanes it replaces. 

"We are proud to welcome Air Cambodia as our newest 737 MAX customer and look forward to partnering with them to introduce the versatile and reliable 737-8 to the Kingdom of Cambodia," said Brad McMullen, Boeing senior vice president of Commercial Sales and Marketing. "We are committed to supporting the growth of aviation in Cambodia and throughout the region as Air Cambodia strengthens ties across Asia with these fuel-efficient airplanes."

Ceasefires Are Promises, Not Pauses

ប្អូនស្រី ឡី ហុងលី ទាំងស្អាត ទាំងពូកែ មានសមត្ថភាពមិនធម្មតា!

 

"In the Ukraine-Russia conflict drones are an integral feature of armies on both sides and there have been a number of Ukrainian youths who are highly skilled in the use of drones who have been recruited into the military and rendering outstanding service to their nation. 

In fact, most countries including Thailand have watched and learned from the modern role, indispensability and deployment of drones in any armed conflict yet, the Cambodian military, for whatever reasons, have not, making Cambodia's national defence - already comparatively disadvantaged - at an even more handicapped level - as have been witnessed in the recent armed clashes. From surveillance to transport and combat, drones are essential and an integral part of military strategy and personnel. 

Be smart and be resourceful with what you have so as not to make yourself a victim of others' aggression." 

-Social media

 

 

Cambodia protests Thai activities at Tamone, Ta Krabei temple sites

 

 

 

PHNOM PENH, Feb. 3, 2026 — Cambodia’s Ministry of Culture and Fine Arts has lodged a formal protest with Thailand over activities by Thai authorities at the Tamone Temple Complex and Ta Krabei Temple, saying both sites lie entirely within Cambodian territory and are protected under international law.

In a public announcement dated Tuesday, the ministry said the locations are clearly established as Cambodian by the Franco–Siamese Treaties of 1904 and 1907 and their officially recognized maps, which remain valid under international law. The ministry voiced grave concern over reports of serious damage and near-total destruction at Ta Krabei Temple, describing it as a sacred and historic site of deep cultural and spiritual significance to the Khmer people.

 

Cambodia said it cannot accept the use of force against cultural and archaeological sites, any unilateral restoration, conservation, registration or construction without Cambodia’s consent, or any action undermining the legal, historical and cultural status of the sites.

 

The ministry called on Thailand to immediately cease all activities at Tamone and Ta Krabei, respect Cambodia’s sovereignty, and resolve related issues peacefully and in accordance with international law, while reaffirming its commitment to protecting Cambodia’s cultural heritage and to cooperation based on legality and mutual respect.

 

បក្សប្រឆាំងថា កម្ពុជានឹងបាត់បង់ទឹកដីបន្ថែម បើនៅបន្តពឹងវៀតណាម

កាលណាបើថៃមានសព្វាវុធទំនើប ថៃនឹងវាយកម្ពុជា ប៉ុន្តែកម្ពុជាមានភាពក្លាហានតតាំងជាមួយថៃ។

ការ​គាំទ្រ​គឺ​ជា​ការ​យល់​ឃើញ​របស់​បងប្អូន​ តែ​យើង​គួរ​តែ​ចេះ​ថ្លឹងថ្លែង​

A US warship is making a friendship visit to a Cambodian naval base upgraded with China’s help

By  SOPHENG CHEANG
Updated 12:43 PM GMT, January 24, 2026

 

REAM NAVAL BASE, Cambodia (AP) — The USS Cincinnati arrived at Cambodia’s Ream Naval Base on Saturday, marking the first time a U.S. Navy warship has docked at the facility since its Chinese-funded renovation was completed early last year.

The completion of a new pier and dry dock at Ream has fueled concerns in Washington that China — Cambodia’s close ally and main provider of aid and investment — may have been granted exclusive access to the base.

Controversy has persisted since 2019 over reports of a potential 30-year agreement for Chinese military use of the site on the Gulf of Thailand. Although Beijing funded the base’s expansion, the Cambodian government has denied any agreement for exclusive Chinese privileges.

Prime Minister Hun Manet, who oversaw the base’s reopening in April 2025, has maintained that Ream is open to all friendly nations for joint exercises, provided the ships are not too large for the facility.

The Cincinnati is an Independence-class littoral combat ship, meaning it is designed to to operate close to shore and can operate in shallower waters than other warships. Its crew of about 100 is scheduled to engage in sporting events and other activities in the nearby city of Sihanoukville during its Jan. 24-28 visit.

“At this location our government has worked very hard to build this port so that all foreign vessels that wish to dock in Cambodia can do so,” In Sokhemra, the deputy commander of the base, told reporters gathered shipside.

មន្ត្រី​បក្ស​ប្រឆាំង​ស្នើ​ឱ្យ​រដ្ឋាភិបាល​ស៊ើបអង្កេត​ករណី​មេ​ប៉ូលិស​​ចោទ​កងកម្លាំង​ថ្នាក់ក្រោម​ថា​រត់ចោល​សមរភូមិ

 

Internal corruption, lack of discipline, disunity and poor leadership are the country's biggest foes, not the Thais. 

&&& 

អំពើពុករលួយផ្ទៃក្នុង កង្វះវិន័យ ភាពមិនចុះសម្រុង និងភាពជាអ្នកដឹកនាំមិនល្អ គឺជាសត្រូវដ៏ធំបំផុតរបស់ប្រទេស មិនមែនជនជាតិថៃទេ។ 

-Social media 

US attaché says Cambodian troop deployments at temples “normal”

  

The Thais can't seem to see the distinction between 'defensive' presence and 'offensive presence' at all and use their feigned ignorance to bombard these sacred temple sites, including the Preah Vihear temple. Also these ancient temples happen to perch right on top of the mountain range which falls within Cambodia's legally legitimate sovereignty according to the Franco-Siamese treaties of 1904-1907 which Thailand continues to refuse to recognise even after the 1962 ICJ verdict on Cambodia's ownership of the Preah Vihear temple and its vicinity. 

Accusing Cambodian troops of using these temples as "bunkers" has become the Thai military's favourite pretext for its callous destruction and desecration of these sacred sites, including the now severely damaged Preah Vihear temple which is listed as UNESCO's World Heritage Site. If there were no Cambodian troops stationed at all in these areas that fall within Cambodian sovereignty Thai troops would have simply walked into these areas without having to fire a single bullet, as they did in 1954 following the withdrawal of French colonial forces. The lightly armed Cambodian troops stationed at these temples for defensive purposes, moreover, posed no offensive threat to Thailand unless they were attacked first, mostly by Thai artillery and rockets. 

This is not the first time either that Thailand showed such disregard or vengeance towards Cambodia's sacred sites. Following the 1962 ICJ judgement over the Preah Vihear dispute the Thai army reportedly used elephants to pull down several central columns of the temple in obvious show of displeasure and revenge. Why else would they bomb Ta Krobey and Preah Vihear temples or demolish the Vishnu statue in the area during and after the recent clashes? 

These despicable actions could only speak of the moral depravity; callousness and barbarity of the perpetrators behind them while at the same time expose beyond any doubt the hypocrisy, lies and shamelessness of their apologists who are all too familiar on this site and other social media forums. 

-Social media 

*** 

 

BANGKOK, Jan 24, 2026 — The Royal Thai Army on Thursday led a group of 23 military attachés from 20 countries to areas along Thailand’s border with Cambodia, the army said.

 

The delegation visited locations under the Suranaree Task Force in Ubon Ratchathani and Sisaket provinces on Thursday as part of an “Army Open House 1st Edition 2026” programme aimed at briefing foreign defence representatives on the security situation. The visit was led by Theeranant Nanthakhwang, director of the army’s intelligence department, according to a Thai military statement.

 

During the briefing, Matthew P. Stuck, the US assistant military attaché to Thailand, said it was normal for opposing sides to hold positions they regard as strategically important.

 

“It’s normal in warfare for each side to have its own strategic points,” he said, in remarks referring generally to troop deployments in contested areas.

 

Thailand has accused Cambodia of deploying troops near the Preah Vihear Temple, a long-disputed site on the border. Cambodia says its forces are deployed defensively within its territory.

 

The Preah Vihear area has been a recurring source of tension between Cambodia and Thailand despite international court rulings and bilateral talks.

 

Why a ceasefire must also prevent unequal gains

 

 At first glance, the recent Nikkei Asia report on Cambodia’s annexation fears along the Thai border reads as a familiar post-conflict human story; displaced villagers, damaged homes, and families struggling to return after fighting subsides. Yet a closer reading reveals something more consequential. The article documents not merely the aftermath of war, but a deeper problem “the fighting has stopped, but the situation on the ground is still changing”.

The most striking point in the Nikkei report is not what happened during the fighting, but what happened after it ended. Following the December ceasefire, villagers in Chouk Chey found their access blocked by barbed wire, stacked shipping containers, and warning signs that banned entry. These measures were not put in place during shelling or air strikes. They appeared after the fighting had stopped. In ceasefire situations, timing is important.

Actions taken after a truce cannot easily be explained as part of the chaos of war. Instead, they raise questions about whether the ceasefire is truly bringing stability or quietly changing the situation on the ground.

From this point of view, the ceasefire described by Nikkei appears more tactical than restorative. It has stopped the violence, but it has not allowed civilians to return, move freely, or regain life as it was before the conflict. Cambodian officials quoted in the article warn that this situation shows how fragile the ceasefire is. A ceasefire that prevents people from going back to their homes risks becoming only a temporary pause, rather than a step toward long-term stability.

Cambodia has lodged a fresh diplomatic protest against Thailand

 

 

 

Today, Cambodia has lodged a fresh diplomatic protest against Thailand, accusing Thai armed forces of undertaking activities in disputed border areas that Cambodia says contradict recent commitments to de-escalate tensions.

 

The wording of Cambodia’s statement is notable for its legal precision. By describing the areas as “occupied,” Cambodia signals that these areas are not under disputed administration but remain Cambodian territory under international law. By warning that sovereignty and territorial integrity are being undermined, Cambodia aligns its language with core principles of the United Nations Charter, particularly the prohibition on changing borders by force. References to existing agreements and international law suggest an effort to document events carefully rather than escalate tensions. This approach keeps the dispute framed within legal and diplomatic channels, even as conditions on the ground remain contested.

 

In a press release issued on 21 January 2026, Cambodia’s foreign ministry said the actions, which allegedly took place on 19 January, were inconsistent with de-escalation measures agreed under a joint statement from the General Border Committee (GBC) meeting held late last year. The ministry described these incidents as undermining Cambodia’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.

According to the statement, Thai forces installed a Buddha statue at a site in Preah Vihear province where a statue of the Hindu god Vishnu had previously stood before being destroyed. The ministry also cited the placement of shipping containers to block road access and the construction of bunkers using heavy machinery in parts of Banteay Meanchey province.

 

Seven Officials Stripped of Rank in Cambodia Amid Trafficking Allegations

Photo shows Interior Minister Sar Sokha. Photo from Interior Ministry

    By: Teng Yalirozy
    January 20, 2026, 6:45 PM
    00:00 / 03:36

 

“The Cambodian scam industry generates billions of dollars annually and could not have operated on this scale without the protection or complicity of individuals far more powerful than a deputy director general of immigration,” 

 

PHNOM PENH — In a rare and sweeping disciplinary move, seven senior public and police officials have been stripped of their posts and ranks within just two days, amid allegations of misconduct and involvement in human trafficking linked to cross-border crime.

Among those removed is Lt. Gen. Sok Ly Huot, a three-star general who served as deputy director general of the Interior Ministry’s General Department of Immigration. A sub-decree dated January 8 and circulated on January 19 demoted him to a standard official position.

Interior Ministry spokesperson Touch Sokhak said Sok Ly Huot was dismissed due to “personal issues” that affected his job performance and the overall quality of the department, declining to provide further details.

At the same time, six police and provincial officials based at the Stung Treng Provincial Police Headquarters were also demoted for facilitating the illegal entry of Lao nationals into Cambodia through the Cambodia–Laos border, Sokhak said.

អឺរ៉ុបបង្ហាញរូបភាពពីផ្កាយរណប ពីកាឈូសឆាយផ្ទះសម្បែងជនសុីវិល

Alleged scam mastermind arrested after being exposed by BBC

 

Kuong Li, 50, was charged with illegal recruitment for exploitation, aggravated fraud, organised crime and money laundering
 

 

ByNatalia Zuo
BBC Eye

    Published
    20 January 2026

 

Cambodian authorities have arrested a prominent businessman featured in a 2023 BBC Eye investigation into alleged online scam operations as part of a wider effort to tackle organised online fraud.

Kuong Li, a 50-year-old Cambodian national, was charged with illegal recruitment for exploitation, aggravated fraud, organised crime and money laundering relating to alleged offences committed in Cambodia and elsewhere since 2019.

On 15 January, a Phnom Penh court ordered him to be remanded in custody pending further proceedings.

Kuong Li was featured in The Pig Butchering Romance Scam, a BBC Eye investigation into allegations of human trafficking and fraud inside scam compounds in South East Asia.

That programme, broadcast in March 2023, focused in part on the Huang Le compound, a venue under Kuong Li's ownership in the coastal city of Sihanoukville.

 

An aerial view of multiple white multi-storey buildings, and park space in between themImage source, BBC Eye
Image caption,

The Huang Le compound, located in the coastal city of Sihanoukville, consists of a number of multi-storey buildings

What Trump’s visa pause means for Southeast Asia and US regional priorities

The move reflects an ‘America first’ policy approach and treats certain allies in the region as ‘strategically insignificant’, analysts say

Cambodia, Myanmar, Laos and Thailand are among countries affected by the United States’ 75-country visa suspension. Photo: TNS

 

Sam Beltran
Published: 2:00pm, 17 Jan 2026

 

The inclusion of four Southeast Asian nations in the United States’ 75-country visa suspension has thrown up questions over Washington’s foreign policy approach, including its interest in the region.

Cambodia, Myanmar, Laos and Thailand are among countries affected by the indefinite suspension, set to take effect on January 21, as the Donald Trump administration continues to roll out punitive measures to drastically restrict immigration.

The list, released by the US Department of State on Wednesday, is targeted at countries embroiled in conflict, but also extends to long-standing American allies and others with a long history of relations with Washington.

The four Southeast Asian nations are among 13 Asia-Pacific countries hit by the restrictions, aimed at preventing “the entry of foreign nationals who would take welfare and public benefits”.

 

People eat next to street food stalls in Sihanoukville on Thursday. Cambodia is among four Southeast Asian nations on the recent US visa suspension list. Photo: AFP

Fox News reported that a US State Department memo had instructed consular officers to refuse visa applications under existing laws until the department reviewed and updated its screening procedures.
 

How Delta Force Captured Maduro in Just 3 Hours

តើហេតុអ្វីបានជាថៃចេះតែលើកពេលនៃកិច្ចប្រជុំ JBC?

សំណេរលោកតាន់ គឹមសួរ--មេប៉េអឹមខេត្តក្រចេះចង់ហៅខ្ញុំទៅសាកសួរនៅបញ្ជាការដ្ឋាន

សមត្ថកិច្ច​ចុះ​បង្ក្រាប​អគារ​អនឡាញ​នៅ​ខេត្ត​បាត់ដំបង​បណ្ដាល​ឱ្យ​ជនបរទេស​រាប់​រយ​នាក់​សម្រុក​ចេញ​ពី​អគារ…

លោក ស៊ាន ប៉េងសែ ​អ្នក​ជំនាញ​​ព្រំដែន​​ខ្មែរ ជា​អតី​មន្រ្តី​ជាន់​ខ្ពស់​ក្នុង​សម័យ​សង្គម​រាស្រ្ត​និយម ...

ថៃកំពុងទទួលកម្មពៀរ គ្រោះអាក្រក់ៗកើតឡើងបន្តកន្ទុយគ្នា [16-01-2026]

Documenting the 2025 Thailand Cambodia War Crimes

Cambodia looks to reduce reliance on China amid US trade war

   

Deputy PM says Trump’s ‘liberation day’ tariffs were a ‘wake-up call’ for country’s dependence on Beijing

 

 

Cambodia’s deputy prime minister Sun Chanthol led Phnom Penh’s trade negotiations with the US © Kiyoshi Ota/Bloomberg

 
A. Anantha Lakshmi in Phnom Penh

PublishedJan 14 2026
FT


Cambodia is looking to reduce its reliance on China, its long-standing ally and largest foreign investor, as it seeks to shield its economy from the superpower rivalry between Washington and Beijing, its deputy prime minister has said.

China is Cambodia’s largest donor and trading partner, accounting for more than half of all investments into the country. It is also the largest source of raw materials for Cambodia’s export-focused manufacturing industry, making the latter vulnerable to US efforts to reduce Beijing’s role in global supply chains.

US President Donald Trump initially threatened Cambodia last year with 49 per cent tariffs — the highest rate after China. Phnom Penh has since managed to negotiate the levy down to 19 per cent, in line with its south-east Asian neighbours.

“We had a wake-up call when President Trump declared ‘liberation day’,” Cambodia’s deputy prime minister Sun Chanthol told the FT. “We cannot count on one country.”

Cambodia says Thai troops still occupy civilian areas, testing December truce

By Devjyot Ghoshal and Martin Petty
January 14, 20266:34 AM GMTUpdated January 14, 2026
 

 

Landmines that sparked Thai-Cambodia clash were likely newly-laid, experts say
 

  

Thai military personnel walk near the forested disputed border between Thailand and Cambodia in the Chong Bok area, following the first incident on July 16 that severed a Thai soldier’s left ankle while he was on patrol, in Ubon Ratchathani province, Thailand, August 27, 2025. REUTERS/Chalinee 

 

• Summary

• Foreign minister urges Thailand to honour ceasefire terms
• Thailand dismisses occupation accusations as 'baseless'
• Cambodia seeks more talks with Thailand, minister says
• Says China made 'active contribution' to peace effort

 

 

Jan 14 (Reuters) - Thailand's military continues to occupy civilian areas in Cambodia, having barricaded some with barbed wire and shipping containers, posing a risk to a truce between the neighbours who clashed twice last year, the Cambodian foreign minister said.

Up to 4,000 Cambodian families are unable to return to homes along the disputed frontier because of the Thai incursions, Prak Sokhonn told Reuters, despite a December agreement that halted weeks of fierce border clashes.

"The Thai military is still occupying territories well inside Cambodia," he said on Tuesday in a rare interview from Phnom Penh, the capital, listing at least four border locations as incursion sites.

"The situation remains calm, but there are some risks as well. So we hope that Thailand will remain committed to the full implementation of the ceasefire."

In response to questions from Reuters, Thai military and government officials referred to a January 12 statement by Thailand's foreign ministry that dismissed Cambodia's accusations as "baseless".

"The maintenance of current troop positions following the ceasefire constitutes direct compliance with agreed de-escalation measures," the Thai ministry said. "This cannot be misconstrued as territorial occupation."

 

Breaking! បាតុកម្មនៅប្រទេសអ៊ីរ៉ង់មនុស្សស្លាប់លើស 2,000 នាក់ហើយ!

បងប្អូនតើគាត់និយាយចឹងត្រវអត់

 

Yes, the Khmers in former Khmer provinces all over Thailand need to wake up and demand self-rule or independence for themselves. The Thais know it would be difficult and even impossible to prevent were these indigenous Khmers to rise up and form a separate state which could comprise up to one-third of what is now Thai territory including coastal and sea areas. 

In the 1960s and 1970s Communist shells were active all over the North-East of Thailand with a large presence of ethnic Khmers living there. This is the least developed and most impoverished part of Thailand even today. 

The Thais decided to quell the Communist rebels not by force but by giving them lands to own and feed themselves. However, these lands never belonged to the Thais but to the Khmers and their ancestors from before recorded history. The Thais have similarly largely succeeded in brainwashing the Khmers by teaching their children their distorted version of history and telling them they are distinct and separate from their brothers in Cambodia. They have also bought Khmer leaders off who were and are willing to be their accomplices in this indoctrination and treason to keep the Khmers under their control and in subservience to them by giving the Khmers this false identity that many among them call: "Siem Surin" or "Siam Buriram" etc. 

The truth however will never change in terms of their roots, ancestry and DNA as Khmers. To even allow themselves to be considered "Siam Surin" is an ultimate affront to their Khmer ancestors who fought and sacrificed to preserve Khmer identity and territory from the Siamese/ Thais invaders and oppressors. They are also an affront to themselves and conscience by so doing and through their complicity in all the harm and violence that Thailand is committing against the people of Cambodia. 

-Social media 

 ^^^