Ongoing tensions and diplomatic efforts characterize the relationship between Thailand and Cambodia, with several key issues dominating recent discussions. Thailand’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs has vehemently rejected claims circulating on social media, initially cited by Cambodia’s Minister of Information, that Thailand is plotting to assassinate Cambodian leaders Hun Sen and Hun Manet. Spokesperson Nikorndej Balankura condemned these allegations as entirely unfounded and defaming, emphasizing that such disinformation undermines the spirit of dialogue and the ongoing General Border Committee (GBC) discussions aimed at peaceful resolution.

A significant point of contention revolves around the 18 Cambodian soldiers detained by Thailand. The Royal Thai Army maintains that these individuals are prisoners of war (POWs) and their detention is entirely lawful under international law, particularly the Geneva Conventions. Major General Winthai Suwaree, army spokesman, clarified that repatriation would only occur once a ceasefire and cessation of hostilities are concrete and fully effective, ensuring the detainees cannot return to combat. Allied countries and international organizations, including the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), are reportedly unconcerned by Thailand's actions, with the ICRC having inspected the detainees' conditions and confirmed humanitarian treatment.

Another critical issue is Cambodia's alleged violation of the Ottawa Convention on landmines. The incident, involving landmine use, occurred just two days after the GBC meeting where Cambodia rejected Thailand’s proposal for joint landmine clearance. Thailand has taken robust diplomatic action, with its ambassadors to the UN in Geneva and New York protesting the incidents to the chair of the Ottawa Convention and the UN secretary-general, requesting action against Cambodia for violating the treaty.

To monitor alleged breaches of international law and ceasefire conditions, the Royal Thai Army is leading the ASEAN Interim Observation Team (IOT) to the Thai-Cambodian border. This mission follows earlier successful visits organized by the Thai government for international governments and organizations. ASEAN envoys and representatives from countries that ratified the Ottawa Convention have visited Si Sa Ket province, witnessing evidence of anti-personnel mines allegedly laid by Cambodian troops and speaking with affected residents. Simultaneously, the ICRC assessed the humanitarian impact of cross-border attacks on civilians in Surin, Si Sa Ket, and Ubon Ratchathani provinces, gathering facts and interviewing residents to compile a confidential report for both nations.

The digital landscape has also been affected, with the Ministry of Digital Economy and Society reporting that eight out of the top ten fake news items last week were false reports related to the Thai-Cambodian border conflict, highlighting the prevalence of misinformation.

Adding to the complexity, acting Prime Minister Phumtham Wechayachai stated that academics might submit a proposal to sue Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet and his father, Hun Sen, in the International Criminal Court (ICC) as war criminals. This aligns with a National Security Council (NSC) resolution to file both criminal and civil lawsuits against them in Thai courts for causing deaths, injuries, and property damage to Thais by ordering Cambodian troops to fire at civilians.

Furthermore, government spokesman Jirayu Houngsub asserted that Cambodians had betrayed Thai hospitality by establishing a community on Thai soil at Ban Nong Chan village in Sa Kaeo. He claimed Cambodia exploited Thailand’s humanitarian aid, given to refugees fleeing civil war in 1977, to encroach on Thai territory. Jirayu defended Thailand's erection of razor wire within its boundaries as a protective measure against further encroachment and attacks by Cambodian troops, including landmine laying, asserting it did not violate GBC agreements.