Published: 10:00, August 12, 2025 | Updated: 10:10, August 12, 2025
Cambodia says Thailand's planned military action violates ceasefire
By Xinhua
The remnants of a family home in O'Smach, Oddar Meanchey, in the aftermath of the Thailand-Cambodia clash on July 30, 2025. (PHOTO / AP)

PHNOM PENH / BANGKOK - A Cambodian defense spokesperson said on Monday that the planned military action announced by Lt. Gen. Boonsin Padklang, commander of Thailand's 2nd Army Region, is a violation of a ceasefire reached by both countries.

Boonsin reportedly announced on Sunday the action to seize the Ta Krobey temple and to close the Ta Moan Thom temple.

Cambodian Defense Ministry's Undersecretary of State and Spokesperson Lt. Gen. Maly Socheata said, "This statement constitutes an undeniable evidence of the provocative and premeditated attempt to invade Cambodia's sovereignty and territorial integrity."

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The above-mentioned action amounts to a violation of the ceasefire agreement reached during the special meeting on July 28, and the spirit of the extraordinary meeting of the General Border Committee (GBC) held on Aug 7 in Malaysia, she added.

Socheata said during this GBC extraordinary meeting, Cambodia and Thailand agreed that both parties must not move their troops, including refraining from patrolling beyond their current positions.

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"Cambodia emphasizes its firm stand on peaceful resolution, and adheres to the principle of peace and strictly implements the ceasefire agreement," she said. "Cambodia hopes that Thailand will also uphold this principle with sincerity to resolve the border dispute so as to restore peace for the peoples of both countries.

Thai army denies plans

Thai army spokesperson Winthai Suvaree on Monday clarified regarding the Cambodian Ministry of Defense's earlier accusations that Boonsin Padklang, commander of Thailand's Second Army Region, did not mention the deployment of forces regarding disputed temples, and what was stated does not constitute any attempt at provocation, as Cambodia has claimed.

The clarification came after a Cambodian defense spokesperson accused that the planned military action announced by Boonsin is a violation of a ceasefire reached by both countries.

According to Thai media reports, Boonsin said in an interview on Sunday that Thailand is considering blocking access to one of the two disputed temples along the Thai-Cambodian border to prevent Cambodian entry, while also vowing to take back another temple currently under Cambodian control.

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Winthai further clarified that what Boonsin stated on Sunday was that the temple currently held by Cambodia is under Thai sovereignty. During past clashes, Thai forces had attempted to seize it through force deployment but were unsuccessful, leading to Thai troops now being stationed 30 meters outside the temple. However, Thailand must eventually reclaim it through appropriate procedures.

Boonsin also stated that Thailand would prepare to bring various matters for discussion and negotiation within the Regional Border Committee meeting framework to occur within two weeks, emphasizing the position of Thailand that it will not retreat from the existing force deployment line.

Armed clashes between Thai and Cambodian forces erupted on July 24 along their border. The two countries agreed to a ceasefire on the afternoon of July 28, which took effect at midnight on the same day.