Cambodia urges calm and cooperation amid Thai concerns over Border village settlement

Cambodia urges calm and cooperation amid Thai concerns over Border village settlement

Phnom Penh, September 16, 2025 – The Ministry of National Defence of the Kingdom of Cambodia has reaffirmed its commitment to resolving border issues peacefully and cooperatively with Thailand, following recent reports raised by official Thai military websites regarding the settlement and residence of Cambodian citizens in Ekpheap Village, Pursat Province.

According to Her Excellency Lieutenant General Maly Socheata, Spokesperson of the Ministry of National Defence, Cambodia has already provided clear explanations on the matter. A formal reply from Cambodia’s 5th Military Region Command on February 1, 2022, addressed several points and fully resolved certain issues. However, outstanding matters beyond the jurisdiction of local border units have been proposed for discussion within the framework of the Joint Boundary Commission (JBC), in line with the 2000 Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on the survey and demarcation of the land boundary between Cambodia and Thailand.

The spokesperson emphasized that all parties must avoid any actions that could escalate tensions or expand disputed areas. Instead, both sides are urged to create a conducive environment for the effective implementation of the ceasefire and agreements reached during the General Border Committee (GBC) and Regional Border Committee (RBC) meetings.

“Cambodia remains firmly committed to cooperating with Thailand at all levels in order to strengthen peace, stability, cooperation, and development for the mutual benefit of both nations and peoples,” the spokesperson stated.