Thai Armed Forces Enter Cambodian Territory with Heavy Machinery in Violation of Ceasefire, Says Defense Ministry Spokesperson

Thai Armed Forces Enter Cambodian Territory with Heavy Machinery in Violation of Ceasefire, Says Defense Ministry Spokesperson

Phnom Penh, August 4, 2025 — At approximately 11:00 a.m. today, Thai military forces equipped with full arms and heavy machinery crossed into Cambodian sovereign territory, according to a statement by Her Excellency Lieutenant General Maly Socheata, spokesperson for the Ministry of National Defense. The remarks were made during a press briefing at the Office of the Council of Ministers at 2:00 p.m., regarding the ongoing implementation of the Cambodia–Thailand ceasefire.

The incursion reportedly took place in the An Ses area, which lies well within Cambodia’s internationally recognized sovereign borders. Despite strong warnings from Cambodian troops stationed in the area, Thai forces proceeded with their deployment and established an unauthorized presence.

“This is a blatant violation of the ceasefire,” said Lt. Gen. Socheata, emphasizing the seriousness of the action. “This act constitutes a flagrant violation of the ceasefire and poses a grave threat to peace and security along the border between the two countries, as well as to the wider region.”

Lt. Gen. Socheata further underscored that just days prior, on July 30, 2025, Cambodia had facilitated an official field visit to this same area for accredited foreign military attachés based in Phnom Penh—an act that clearly affirmed Cambodia’s undisputed sovereignty over the site in question.

Calling the incursion “aggressive actions” of the ceasefire terms, she warned that such provocations significantly escalate tensions and jeopardize stability not only along the Cambodia–Thailand border but throughout the broader region.