Cambodian PM appeals to United Nations over Thai military escalations
Cambodian PM appeals to United Nations over Thai military escalations
Phnom Penh, 17 September 2025 — Cambodian Prime Minister Samdech Moha Borvor Thipadei Hun Manet has written to United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres, raising urgent concerns over escalating Thai military actions along the Cambodia-Thailand border, which he described as a “grave threat to peace and stability” in the region.
In his letter, Hun Manet detailed violations of the 28 July 2025 Putrajaya ceasefire, citing reports that Thai armed forces have expanded conflict zones, erected barbed wire and barricades, issued ultimatums, and forcibly evicted Cambodian families from villages in Banteay Meanchey province. He warned that further planned evictions could affect hundreds of households, while credible sources indicate Thai intentions to seize territory at 17 other locations stretching from Pursat to Koh Kong.
“Both sides agreed not to undertake provocative actions that may escalate tensions… or expand the scope and scale of the disputes.”
The Prime Minister stressed that Thailand’s actions, based on unilaterally drawn maps, directly contravene internationally recognized boundary agreements, including the 1904 and 1907 treaties, the 2000 Memorandum of Understanding on boundary demarcation, and recent commitments made at General Border Committee (GBC) and Regional Border Committee (RBC) meetings.
“These unilateral measures represent an unacceptable breach of Cambodia’s sovereignty, a clear violation of international law, and a dangerous provocation that risks violent confrontation,”
The Cambodian leader called on Thailand to immediately cease all unilateral military actions, respect the ceasefire, end forced evictions, remove new barricades, and release 18 Cambodian soldiers currently held captive. He reaffirmed Cambodia’s strong commitment to resolving the dispute peacefully through bilateral mechanisms and ASEAN frameworks.
Hun Manet also appealed for the United Nations’ valuable support in ensuring full implementation of the ceasefire and related agreements, emphasizing that UN leadership and engagement are “instrumental in preserving stability and fostering a peaceful resolution.”
