Tensions between Thailand and Cambodia have been a prominent feature of recent regional developments, marked by border disputes, allegations of ceasefire violations, and a pervasive wave of disinformation. Both nations have engaged in diplomatic exchanges and international collaborations to address the multifaceted challenges, yet provocations and false narratives continue to complicate efforts towards peaceful resolution.

A significant aspect of the recent conflict has been a surge in misinformation. Thailand’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs vehemently rejected claims circulating on social media that Thailand was planning to assassinate Cambodian leaders Hun Sen and Hun Manet. These allegations, attributed to Cambodia’s Minister of Information citing foreign intelligence sources, were firmly denied by Nikorndej Balankura, Director-General of the Department of Information. He called them “entirely unfounded” and designed to “defame Thailand,” warning that spreading such false news undermines ongoing General Border Committee (GBC) discussions aimed at peaceful resolution. This incident was part of a broader trend, with the Ministry of Digital Economy and Society (DES) reporting that eight out of the top ten fake news items in one recent week were related to the Thai-Cambodian border conflict, highlighting a “disinformation campaign” that actively undermines peace processes.

Beyond political accusations, the National Health Security Office (NHSO) also refuted social media claims alleging that nearly 100 billion baht was spent last year on medical care for citizens of Myanmar, Cambodia, Laos, and Malaysia, without reimbursement from their respective governments. The NHSO clarified these widely shared posts were inaccurate, addressing another instance of public misinformation.

A core element of the border dispute revolves around encroachment and territorial claims, particularly at Ban Nong Chan village in Sa Kaeo province. Thai government spokesman Jirayu Houngsub stated that Cambodians had betrayed Thai hospitality by establishing a community on Thai soil. He explained that Ban Nong Chan was initially a temporary shelter for Cambodians fleeing civil war in 1977. However, Cambodia allegedly exploited Thailand's humanitarian aid, with refugees refusing to return home and instead expanding their community, claiming the area as sovereign Cambodian land. The Thai government has erected razor wire fences in this area, which Jirayu insisted were entirely within Thai boundaries and did not violate GBC agreements. This action was taken to protect Thai territory from further encroachment and from attacks by Cambodian troops, who have allegedly laid landmines.

Accusations of ceasefire violations have been central to Thailand's concerns. Despite a 13-point ceasefire agreement signed during a GBC meeting in Malaysia, Thailand's Ministry of Foreign Affairs, through Nikorndej Balankura, accused Phnom Penh of a sustained disinformation campaign and actions “opposite of what they claim.” Specific alleged violations included laying new landmines, using drones for harassment, inciting citizens to protest at the border, and deploying powerful improvised explosive devices (IEDs) on the Thai side. The presence of landmines has been a serious humanitarian issue. ASEAN envoys and representatives from countries that ratified the Ottawa Convention, which bans landmines, visited Si Sa Ket province. They witnessed evidence of anti-personnel mines allegedly laid by Cambodian troops and interviewed affected residents. The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) also assessed the humanitarian impact of cross-border attacks on civilians in Surin, Si Sa Ket, and Ubon Ratchathani provinces, with a confidential report to be submitted to both countries.

The conflict has also spurred illegal border crossings. Thai troops recently rounded up 50 Cambodians in Sa Kaeo’s Aranyaprathet district who had illegally crossed the border, fleeing hunger and lack of employment in their homeland. These individuals claimed to have paid smugglers after returning to Cambodia due to earlier Thai restrictions and finding no support from their government. Since border checkpoints were closed on June 17, the Aranyaprathet Taskforce alone has arrested 329 Cambodians in 84 incidents of illegal entry.

In response to these complex issues, diplomatic and observation efforts are underway. The Royal Thai Army (RTA) is leading an ASEAN Interim Observation Team (IOT) to the Thai-Cambodian border to monitor alleged breaches of international law. Acting Prime Minister Phumtham also met with US lawmakers visiting Thailand to observe the border conflict zone. Phumtham emphasized the need to “fight with truth, not through information warfare,” advocating for peaceful solutions that prioritize the lives of affected people. He confirmed raising the issue of Cambodian mine-laying activities with the US delegation. Discussions are ongoing, with future talks scheduled, aiming to address critical issues like landmine deployment and border fences, acknowledging that such conflicts cannot be resolved easily but require truth and diplomacy over propaganda.