September 18, 2025
PHNOM PENH – Prime Minister Hun Manet appealed to ASEAN and global leaders on September 17, asking them to intervene and support the implementation of the current ceasefire and agreements between Cambodia and Thailand, as tensions continue to escalate along the border.
In a series of letters addressed to current ASEAN chair Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, as well as Chinese President Xi Jinping, US President Donald J. Trump, French President Emmanuel Macron, UN secretary-general António Guterres and UN General Assembly president Annalena Baerbock, Manet warned that recent unilateral actions by Thai forces threaten peace and stability in the region.
According to Manet, since August 12, Thai military forces have expanded the conflict zone by erecting barbed wire and barricades, issuing ultimatums and forcibly evicting Cambodian civilians from long-established communities in Banteay Meanchey province.
At least 25 families in Chouk Chey and Prey Chan villages have been displaced, while Thai military spokespersons have threatened further evictions that could affect hundreds of other households.
Manet also cited “credible” reports that Thai forces intend to seize territory at 17 locations across northwestern and southwestern Cambodia, spanning from Pursat to Koh Kong provinces.
He described these actions as violations of the 2000 Memorandum of Understanding (MoU 2000) on land boundary demarcation, the UN Charter, the ASEAN Charter and several international treaties, including the Treaty of Amity and Cooperation in Southeast Asia.
“These unilateral measures represent an unacceptable breach of Cambodia’s sovereignty and a grave infringement of human rights,” his letters read.
“They risk escalating tensions and widening the conflict, in direct violation of commitments made under the General Border Committee (GBC) and Regional Border Committee (RBC) meetings.”
The prime minister called on world leaders to press Thailand to:
- Strictly adhere to the ceasefire terms and cease all unilateral escalatory actions;
- Refrain from the use of force against civilians and their property;
- Halt forced evictions and ensure displaced Cambodians can safely return home;
- Use established bilateral frameworks, such as the JBC and GBC, for dialogue and negotiation rather than military means; and
- Secure the immediate and unconditional release of the 18 Cambodian soldiers who are detained in Thailand.
Manet underscored Cambodia’s firm commitment to peaceful resolution of the dispute, emphasising ASEAN centrality in fostering stability.
“Cambodia stands ready to work with Thailand and ASEAN to preserve stability, foster cooperation and promote the well-being of our peoples,” he affirmed.
The dispute, which has centred on border demarcation in Preah Vihear and Oddar Meanchey provinces, has flared anew amid allegations that Thai forces are attempting to extend their control beyond previously agreed conflict zones. Cambodia has warned that unless unilateral actions cease, the situation risks sparking violent confrontation with grave humanitarian consequences.