The Thai-Cambodian border region continues to be a focal point of intense diplomatic friction and on-the-ground tensions, characterized by accusations of encroachment, alleged ceasefire violations, and a persistent battle against disinformation. Despite ongoing efforts at dialogue and a 13-point ceasefire agreement signed during the General Border Committee (GBC) meeting, provocations and disputes continue to strain relations between the two nations.

A significant aspect of the conflict involves widespread disinformation. The National Health Security Office (NHSO) recently refuted social media claims alleging that nearly 100 billion baht was spent on medical care for citizens of neighbouring countries without reimbursement. Similarly, Thailand’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) firmly denied accusations from Cambodia’s Minister of Information that Thailand was planning to assassinate Cambodian leaders, labeling them as unfounded and defaming. The Ministry of Digital Economy and Society (DES) highlighted the severity of the issue, reporting that eight out of the top ten fake news items last week were false reports related to the Thai-Cambodian border conflict, underscoring the prevalence of information warfare.

Central to the territorial dispute is the Ban Nong Chan village in Sa Kaeo province. Government spokesman Jirayu Houngsub insisted that Cambodians had betrayed Thai hospitality by establishing a community on Thai soil, taking advantage of humanitarian aid initially provided to refugees fleeing civil war in 1977. He stated that Cambodian refugees refused to return home, instead expanding their community. Cambodia, however, rejects Thailand's border demarcation claims and exerts pressure to dismantle razor wire fences erected by Thailand. Thailand maintains the razor wire is entirely within its boundaries and serves to protect its territory from further encroachment and attacks, asserting it does not violate GBC agreements.

Humanitarian concerns and alleged violations of international law are also paramount. The Royal Thai Army (RTA) led an ASEAN Interim Observation Team (IOT) to the border to monitor alleged breaches of ceasefire conditions by Cambodian troops. These visits followed previous trips by ASEAN envoys, Ottawa Convention representatives, and the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), who assessed the humanitarian impact of cross-border attacks on civilians and witnessed evidence of anti-personnel mines allegedly laid by Cambodian troops. The ICRC gathered facts to compile a confidential report for both countries, while Ottawa Convention envoys are expected to report their findings to the international community.

Diplomatic engagement continues amidst these challenges. Acting Prime Minister Phumtham met with US lawmakers to discuss regional developments, during which he raised the issue of Cambodia’s alleged landmine deployment in Thai territory and the contentious barbed-wire fences. Phumtham emphasized the need for peaceful solutions that prioritize the lives of affected people and stressed that truth, not propaganda, is essential to resolving the conflict. The Thai MFA has publicly challenged Cambodia’s narrative, accusing Phnom Penh of a sustained disinformation campaign and alleging specific ceasefire violations including laying new landmines, using drones for harassment, inciting protests, and deploying improvised explosive devices (IEDs) on the Thai side. Despite misunderstandings, further talks are anticipated, with a focus on addressing critical on-the-ground issues rather than historical Memoranda of Understanding.