AKP Phnom Penh, October 17, 2025 --

The Spokesperson for the Royal Government of Cambodia this morning reaffirmed the Kingdom's legally established border line with Thailand, responding to claims made by Thai military officials.

The statement was issued following reports in some Thai media outlets quoting Thai military officials who asserted that an area where Thai soldiers had encroached—specifically Prey Chan and Chork Chey villages, O' Beichoan commune, O' Chrov district, Banteay Meanchey province—was Thai territory. This is the area where Thai forces allegedly laid barbed wire unilaterally since Aug. 13, 2025, and subsequently carried out bulldosing and mine clearance operations.

The Royal Government Spokesperson strongly refuted these claims, underscoring that the border between Cambodia and Thailand is an international boundary established by the 1904 Convention and the 1907 Treaty. This definition includes the 1:200,000 scale map and the 74 recognised boundary pillars installed over a century ago.

"This borderline holds legal validity and is safeguarded under the provisions of the United Nations Charter as well as international laws, which cannot be unilaterally altered by either party," the statement stressed.

The Spokesperson emphasised that the Joint Boundary Commission (JBC), formed through agreements between Cambodia and Thailand, has the sole mandate to survey and demarcate the border between the two countries.

Cambodia is committed to resolving the ongoing issues through peaceful means based on existing treaties, bilateral agreements, and international laws until the JBC completes its work. 

Phnom Penh demanded that Thailand respects these established agreements, and that both sides await the JBC's resolution on the border issues. The statement also urged both parties to avoid any provocations that could escalate tensions.

The Royal Government of Cambodia assured the public of its firm position on territorial integrity, stating it does not accept any unilateral claims by the Thai military forces. 

The Royal Government maintained that the army does not have the authority to determine the international borderline, and therefore, any such unilateral Thai declaration holds no legal validity.

While exercising utmost restraint to uphold the ceasefire agreement and prevent renewed armed clashes that could cause destruction to both nations, the Royal Government of Cambodia affirmed it reserves its rights to defend its sovereignty and territorial integrity in accordance with conventions, treaties, and international laws.

H.E. Pen Bona, Spokesperson of the Royal Government of Cambodia

By Heng Panha