Recent claims circulating on social media, alleging that Thailand is planning to assassinate Cambodian leaders Hun Sen and Hun Manet, have been firmly rejected by Thailand’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Nikorndej Balankura, Director-General of the Department of Information, stated that these accusations, cited by Cambodia’s Minister of Information from foreign intelligence sources, are entirely unfounded and clearly intended to defame Thailand. He emphasized that spreading such false news during ongoing General Border Committee (GBC) discussions undermines the spirit of dialogue aimed at peacefully resolving the situation between the two nations.

The diplomatic tensions are further exacerbated by a long-standing dispute concerning the Ban Nong Chan village in Sa Kaeo province. Thailand asserts that Cambodia betrayed Thai hospitality and humanitarian aid by establishing a community on Thai soil. The area was originally a temporary shelter for Cambodians fleeing civil war in 1977. Over the decades, Cambodian refugees reportedly refused to return home, instead expanding their community. Government spokesman Jirayu Houngsub explained that Thailand erected razor wire within its own boundaries to protect its territory from further encroachment and attacks by Cambodian troops, who had allegedly laid landmines. This action, Jirayu insisted, does not violate the conditions agreed upon during the August 7 GBC meeting.

Concerns over alleged landmine use and ceasefire violations by Cambodian troops have led to international observation missions. The Royal Thai Army (RTA) is leading the ASEAN Interim Observation Team (IOT) to visit the Thai-Cambodian border to monitor these alleged breaches of international law. Prior to this, ASEAN envoys and representatives from countries that ratified the Ottawa Convention—which bans the use of landmines—visited Si Sa Ket province, where they witnessed evidence of anti-personnel mines and spoke with affected residents. Additionally, representatives from the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) assessed the humanitarian impact of cross-border attacks on civilians in Surin, Si Sa Ket, and Ubon Ratchathani provinces. The ICRC will compile a confidential report on its findings for both Thailand and Cambodia.

Amidst these developments, Acting Prime Minister Phumtham Wechayachai has stated that academics may submit a proposal for 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 comes after the National Security Council’s (NSC) resolution to file both criminal and civil lawsuits against them in Thai courts for causing deaths, injuries, and property damage to Thais through military orders. The Ministry of Digital Economy and Society (DES) also reported 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 information warfare. Phumtham stressed the importance of fighting with truth, not through propaganda that stirs hatred.

International engagement continues, with Acting Prime Minister Phumtham meeting US lawmakers to discuss regional developments, Thai-US relations, security, and economic issues. The US delegation is scheduled to observe the Thai-Cambodian border conflict zone in Ubon Ratchathani. Phumtham confirmed raising the issue of Cambodian mine-laying activities with the delegation, emphasizing peaceful solutions and the lives of affected people. Despite a 13-point ceasefire agreement signed during the GBC meeting, provocations, fake news, and intimidation persist. Cambodia continues to pressure Thailand to dismantle barbed wire fences in Ban Nong Chan, with descendants of refugees claiming the expanded settlements as Cambodian sovereign land, further complicating border demarcation claims.