Phnom Penh, Cambodia – In a strongly worded letter addressed to UN Secretary-General António Guterres, Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet has accused Thailand of violating Cambodia’s sovereignty and demanded an immediate cessation of all unilateral actions along the disputed border. The letter, released today, outlines a serious escalation of tensions stemming from ongoing military activities near the border, primarily in the Banteay Meanchey Province.
The crux of the matter revolves around Thai military operations that began on July 24th, following a fragile ceasefire brokered on July 28th in Putrajaya. While the Putrajaya agreement successfully halted large-scale fighting, Thai forces have since expanded their operational zone, erecting barriers, issuing ultimatums, and forcibly displacing Cambodian civilians from established villages like Chouk Chey and Prey Chan. Twenty-five families have been directly affected, with Thai military spokespersons hinting at further evictions.
“These unilateral actions constitute an attempt to unilaterally demarcate the boundary through the use of forces, in direct violation of the MOU 2000, the mandate of the Cambodian-Thai Joint Commission on Demarcation for Land Boundary (JBC), and the commitments recorded in the recent GBC and RBC meetings,” stated Prime Minister Manet’s letter. Key elements of the complaint center on Thailand’s use of 1/50,000 scale maps – divergent from the mutually agreed 1/200,000 scale maps resulting from demarcation works overseen by the 1904 and 1907 treaties, which were affirmed by the International Court of Justice and reaffirmed by Cambodia and Thailand. This dispute has been a persistent source of friction between the two nations.
Key Stakeholders and Motivations:
- Cambodia: Prime Minister Manet’s government seeks to protect Cambodian territory, secure the rights of its citizens, and leverage international pressure to force a withdrawal of Thai forces. Cambodia views the border issue as a fundamental matter of national security and territorial integrity.
- Thailand: While Thailand’s official stance emphasizes upholding the ceasefire agreement, the expanded military operations suggest a determination to assert its claims over disputed territory, possibly influenced by historical grievances and strategic considerations.
- ASEAN: As ASEAN Chair in 2025, Malaysia has been tasked with mediating the dispute, but the situation underscores the challenge of ASEAN’s effectiveness in resolving territorial conflicts.
- United Nations: The UN’s role is primarily to observe, offer good offices, and potentially exert pressure through international law and diplomatic channels.
Demands Outlined in the Letter:
- Immediate cessation of all unilateral actions.
- Removal of barriers (barbed wire, tires) within Cambodian-held territories.
- Prevention of forced evictions and repatriation of displaced families.
- Suspension of unilateral boundary demarcation activities.
- Release and unconditional return of 18 Cambodian soldiers held captive by Thai forces.
Looking Ahead: The situation remains highly volatile. Short-term predictions (next 6 months) suggest continued tensions and a potential for localized confrontations, dependent on the willingness of both sides to de-escalate. Longer-term (5-10 years), a negotiated settlement – potentially involving a phased demarcation process and the establishment of a robust Joint Commission – remains the most likely outcome, though substantial obstacles persist. The involvement of ASEAN and the UN will be crucial in facilitating dialogue and ensuring a peaceful resolution.