PHNOM PENH, Cambodia — On Monday, Cambodia’s defense ministry asserted that its military forces remain stationed on a contested parcel of land amidst an ongoing territorial dispute with Thailand. Despite the volatile situation, both nations appear interested in finding a peaceful resolution to the contested border region.
This declaration comes after tensions flared last week, following an armed clash on May 28 that resulted in the death of a Cambodian soldier. The altercation occurred in an ambiguous “no man’s land” along the Thai-Cambodian border, with each country accusing the other of initiating the confrontation.
In its Monday statement, the Cambodian defense ministry emphasized its uncompromising stance with “No Withdrawal of Troops” as its foremost message. It clarified that Cambodian forces have consistently maintained their stations in areas considered under Cambodian control, though the duration of occupation in some areas was not specified.
The statement reaffirmed Cambodia’s claims not only over the conflicted spot near Morakot village in Preah Vihear province — the location of the soldier’s fatality — but also over three additional disputed territories.
Meanwhile, Cambodian Defense Minister Tea Seiha offered a slightly altered perspective, suggesting that military leaders from the two countries had engaged in dialogue over the weekend. They reportedly agreed to reposition their forces to de-escalate tensions and manage the situation along the border.
The Cambodian minister’s comments seemed aligned with an announcement from Thai Defense Minister Phumtham Wechayachai, noting that both nations had largely reverted their troops to positions they occupied back in 2024. This followed Thailand’s decision to close or restrict operating hours at several border entry points.
Beneath the tough rhetoric from both sides lies an effort to galvanize domestic support rooted in nationalism. Thailand’s Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra’s government, for instance, has endured criticism from nationalist factions opposed to her father, ex-Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra.
Paetongtarn had previously faced nationalist backlash over proposals to resume maritime boundary talks with Cambodia, aimed at tapping into potentially lucrative hydrocarbon resources.
The history of Thai-Cambodian border disputes dates back decades. In 1962, the International Court of Justice in the Netherlands granted Cambodia rights to the disputed area housing the Preah Vihear temple, a verdict that soured bilateral relations. This decision was reaffirmed in 2013, despite periodic clashes around the site, including notable conflict in 2011.
Last week, Cambodia’s Prime Minister Hun Manet expressed his intent to escalate the matter to international courts to definitively resolve the disputes over the four contested areas, even if Thailand opts out. His objective is to permanently lay to rest the disagreements, eradicating ambiguity for future generations.