The ongoing border tensions between Thailand and Cambodia have escalated amidst accusations of disinformation campaigns, alleged ceasefire violations, and territorial disputes. Thailand's Ministry of Foreign Affairs has vehemently rejected claims circulating on social media, reportedly cited by Cambodia’s Minister of Information from foreign intelligence sources, alleging that Thailand plans to assassinate Cambodian leaders Hun Sen and Hun Manet. These accusations were firmly denied by Nikorndej Balankura, Director-General of the Department of Information, who labeled them entirely unfounded and an attempt to defame Thailand, undermining constructive dialogue during General Border Committee (GBC) discussions. The Ministry condemned such disinformation as a harmful attempt to derail diplomatic efforts.

Despite a 13-point ceasefire agreement signed during the GBC meeting in Malaysia on August 7, provocations, fake news, and various forms of intimidation reportedly persist. Thailand’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs has publicly challenged Cambodia’s narrative, accusing Phnom Penh of a sustained disinformation campaign that actively undermines the peace process. Nikorndej Balankura described Cambodia's pledge to uphold a bilateral ceasefire as "merely for public relations," citing a list of alleged ceasefire violations. These include laying new landmines, using drones for harassment, inciting their own citizens to protest at the border, and deploying powerful improvised explosive devices (IEDs) on the Thai side of the frontier.

In response to these allegations and the humanitarian impact, the Royal Thai Army (RTA) is set to lead the ASEAN Interim Observation Team (IOT) to the Thai-Cambodian border. This mission, scheduled from Monday to Wednesday, aims to monitor alleged breaches of international law and ceasefire conditions by Cambodian troops. Prior to this, Thailand facilitated visits by ASEAN envoys and representatives from countries that ratified the Ottawa Convention (banning landmines), as well as the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC). During their visit to Si Sa Ket province, Ottawa Convention envoys reportedly witnessed evidence of anti-personnel mines allegedly laid by Cambodian troops and spoke with affected residents. The ICRC assessed the humanitarian impact on civilians in Surin, Si Sa Ket, and Ubon Ratchathani provinces, gathering facts and interviewing residents for a confidential report to be submitted to both nations. Thailand also plans to send video and photo evidence of Cambodia laying landmines to Geneva.

A significant point of contention revolves around Ban Nong Chan village in Sa Kaeo province. Thailand asserts that Cambodians betrayed Thai hospitality and humanitarian aid by establishing a community on Thai soil. The area was initially a temporary shelter for Cambodians fleeing civil war in 1977. Government spokesman Jirayu Houngsub stated that Cambodia later took advantage of Thailand’s humanitarian aid to encroach on Thai soil, with refugees expanding their community instead of returning home. The Cambodian government continues to reject Thailand’s border demarcation claims and pressures Thailand to dismantle razor wire fences in the area. Thailand insists the razor wire was erected entirely within its boundaries to protect its territory from further encroachment and landmine attacks, and that it does not violate the GBC agreement.

The escalating tensions have led to considerations of legal action against Cambodian leaders. Acting Prime Minister Phumtham Wechayachai confirmed that the National Security Council (NSC) resolved to file both criminal and civil lawsuits against Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet and his father, Hun Sen, in Thai courts. These lawsuits would be for causing deaths, injuries, and property damage to Thais by ordering Cambodian troops to fire at Thai civilians. Phumtham also noted that academics might submit a proposal to sue Hun Manet and Hun Sen as war criminals in the International Criminal Court (ICC).

Adding to the complexity, the Ministry of Digital Economy and Society (DES) reported that eight out of the top ten fake news items last week were related to the Thai-Cambodian border conflict, highlighting the prevalence of information warfare. Acting Prime Minister Phumtham Wechayachai met with US lawmakers who visited Thailand to observe regional developments, including the Thai-Cambodian border conflict zone in Ubon Ratchathani. Phumtham emphasized the need to fight with truth, not information warfare, to resolve issues peacefully and prioritize the lives of affected people. He confirmed raising the issue of Cambodian mine-laying activities with the US delegation and noted the involvement of US, Chinese, and ASEAN observers, indicating a positive direction for future talks scheduled for September 10.