An international democratic organisation has expressed strong concern over renewed violence along the Cambodia-Thailand border, warning that a recent ceasefire agreement between the two neighbours remains fragile.
In a statement released on November 22 and made public today, the Centrist Democrat International highlighted what it described as unprovoked attacks and threats of force by Thai troops near the disputed frontier. The group pointed in particular to a November 12 shooting in Banteay Meanchey province, where Cambodian authorities say Thai soldiers opened fire on unarmed civilians. One person was killed, and three others were injured.
The organisation said the incident underscored the weakness of the ceasefire and peace declaration signed by Cambodia and Thailand, despite international support for a negotiated settlement. It urged both governments, including the Thai military, to fully respect the agreement along with the regional and United Nations charters. The group also called for the unconditional release of 18 Cambodian soldiers currently held in Thailand.
The statement appealed to the international community to investigate damage to cultural heritage sites caused during recent exchanges of heavy weapons fire. Cambodia says UNESCO-listed areas and other heritage assets have been hit by artillery shells.
Cambodia’s Ministry of National Defence reported that Thai forces fired twice on civilians in Prey Chan village in O Bei Choan commune on November 12. Officials said three civilians were injured and one was killed instantly.
However, Thai media offered a different account. The Nation reported that gunfire heard on November 12 in Sa Kaeo province lasted more than ten minutes and originated from Cambodian troops using AK-47 rifles toward a Thai military position.
Analysts say the contradictory claims highlight deep mistrust between the two sides. They argue that despite agreeing to a ceasefire witnessed by the United States, Thailand has not demonstrated full commitment. The continued detention of the 18 Cambodian soldiers and recurring incidents along the border have fuelled concerns.
Thai Deputy Defence Minister Adul Boonthamcharoen said last week that the Cambodian soldiers did not wish to return home and preferred to remain in Thailand. More recently, The Nation reported that ASEAN observers found evidence suggesting a landmine that injured Thai troops may have been planted by Cambodian soldiers, citing data recovered from a discarded mobile phone.
The developments have renewed calls for a transparent investigation and reinforced fears that tensions between the two countries remain far from resolved.
