Thailand’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs has issued a firm denial regarding recent social media claims that Thailand is planning to assassinate Cambodian leaders Hun Sen and Hun Manet. These allegations, reportedly made by Cambodia’s Minister of Information citing foreign intelligence, were called entirely unfounded and defaming by Nikorndej Balankura, Director-General of the Department of Information and Spokesperson for the Ministry. Nikorndej stressed that spreading such false news during ongoing General Border Committee (GBC) discussions not only lacks constructive purpose but also harms the spirit of dialogue aimed at peacefully resolving the situation. The Ministry condemned the disinformation as a harmful attempt to derail diplomatic efforts between the two nations.

Amidst these diplomatic tensions, the Royal Thai Army (RTA) is leading the ASEAN Interim Observation Team (IOT) to visit the Thai-Cambodian border to monitor alleged breaches of international law and ceasefire conditions by Cambodian troops. This mission follows earlier successful trips organized by the Thai government for international governments and organizations. ASEAN envoys and representatives from countries that ratified the Ottawa Convention, which bans the use of anti-personnel mines, visited Si Sa Ket province, where they witnessed evidence of landmines allegedly laid by Cambodian troops and spoke with affected residents. The Thai government anticipates these envoys will report their findings and raise the issue internationally.

Further humanitarian assessments were conducted by representatives of the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), whose visit was facilitated by the RTA, Foreign Ministry, and Interior Ministry. The ICRC assessed the humanitarian impact of cross-border attacks on civilians in Surin, Si Sa Ket, and Ubon Ratchathani provinces, interviewing local residents. Thailand affirmed its commitment to working with the ICRC to strengthen humanitarian protection mechanisms. The ICRC will compile a confidential report based on its findings, to be submitted directly to both Thailand and Cambodia.

Political and legal ramifications are also being explored, with Acting Prime Minister Phumtham Wechayachai stating that academics might submit a proposal to the government to consider suing Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet and his father, Hun Sen, in the International Criminal Court (ICC) as war criminals. This development comes after the National Security Council (NSC) resolved to file both criminal and civil lawsuits against Hun Manet and Hun Sen in Thai courts, citing their alleged responsibility for causing deaths, injuries, and property damage to Thais by ordering Cambodian troops to fire at Thai civilians.

The prevalence of disinformation exacerbates the already tense situation. The Ministry of Digital Economy and Society (DES) reported that eight out of the top ten fake news items identified last week were false reports related to the Thai-Cambodian border conflict, with the top three and five additional stories concerning the border situation.

Adding to the historical context of the dispute, government spokesman Jirayu Houngsub revealed that Cambodians allegedly betrayed Thai hospitality and humanitarian aid by establishing a community on Thai soil at Ban Nong Chan village in Sa Kaeo. This village was initially a temporary shelter for Cambodians fleeing civil war in 1977. Jirayu stated that Cambodia later took advantage of Thailand’s humanitarian efforts to encroach on Thai soil, with refugees refusing to return home and expanding their community. In response to allegations made by an American lobbyist hired by the Cambodian government, Jirayu explained that Thailand had erected razor wire within its own boundaries to protect its territory from further encroachment and attacks by Cambodian troops who had laid landmines. Thailand insists this measure does not violate the conditions agreed upon during the General Border Committee’s meeting on August 7, and reiterates its readiness to settle border disputes through bilateral mechanisms.