Synopsis: Cambodia has rejected Thailand’s allegations concerning the border conflict, insisting that Thai military actions forced Cambodian civilians from their homes and calling for an immediate end to activities in what it describes as illegally occupied Cambodian territory.
Cambodia has strongly rejected Thailand’s claims regarding the ongoing border dispute, accusing Bangkok of misrepresenting the situation on the ground and demanding that Thai forces cease all unlawful activities in Cambodian territory to facilitate the safe return of displaced civilians.
The response was delivered by Cambodia’s Ambassador and Permanent Representative to the United Nations Office at Geneva, Ke Sovann, during the General Debate of the 77th Session of the Executive Committee of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) on Wednesday.
Exercising Cambodia’s Right of Reply to a statement made by Thailand’s Permanent Representative, Ambassador Benjamin Sukanjanajtee, Sovann described the Thai allegations as false and unfounded.
“Cambodia categorically rejects the statement made by Thailand as false and unfounded, which misrepresents the situation on the ground and appear intended to mislead Member States,” he said.
Addressing the origins of the conflict, Sovann maintained that Cambodia had neither initiated nor escalated hostilities, pointing to an incident on May 28, 2025, when, according to Cambodia, Thai troops opened fire on a Cambodian military position, killing one Cambodian soldier.
He said tensions subsequently intensified, culminating in the border conflict that forced Cambodian civilians to abandon their homes.
“The current displaced Cambodians were forced to flee their homes in Cambodian territory due to the recent border conflict between the two countries in 2025, particularly due to the heavy attacks by Thai armed forces,” he said.
The ambassador also addressed the historical refugee situation, citing UNHCR records confirming that the repatriation of Cambodian refugees from camps in Thailand had been completed in March 1999, with all camps subsequently closed.
Turning to the territorial dispute, Sovann reaffirmed Cambodia’s position that the two countries share an internationally recognised boundary established under the 1904 Convention and the 1907 Treaty between France and Siam, together with the 1:200,000-scale map.
He stressed that both countries must respect the internationally recognised border.
On the contentious issue of landmines, the Cambodian diplomat categorically denied allegations that Cambodia had laid new anti-personnel mines.
He maintained that incidents involving Thai soldiers had occurred in documented legacy minefields within Cambodian territory, where explosives remained from Cambodia’s past civil war.
“Cambodia has never laid new anti-personnel mines,” he said, reaffirming the Kingdom’s full commitment to its obligations under the Ottawa Convention, which prohibits the use, stockpiling, production and transfer of anti-personnel mines.
Sovann further challenged Thailand’s interpretation of the Joint Statement of December 27, 2025, stressing that the agreement could not be used to justify territorial occupation or the destruction of civilian property.
“The Joint Statement of 27 December 2025 does not legitimize the illegal occupation of Cambodian territory by Thai armed forces, nor does it authorize the destruction of homes, civilian infrastructure and cultural property in our territory,” he said.
Concluding his intervention, the ambassador called on Thailand to immediately halt activities in areas Cambodia considers to be under illegal occupation, particularly measures that could alter existing conditions on the ground or establish a fait accompli.
He also urged Bangkok to allow and facilitate the early, safe and dignified return of displaced Cambodian citizens to their homes.
