Tensions between Thailand and Cambodia continue to simmer along their shared border, marked by accusations, diplomatic efforts, and ongoing disputes over territory and alleged violations. Despite both nations signing a 13-point ceasefire agreement during the General Border Committee (GBC) meeting in Malaysia on August 7, provocations, the spread of fake news, and various forms of intimidation persist in the region, according to reports.

A significant point of contention arose with allegations from Cambodia’s Minister of Information, citing foreign intelligence sources, that Thailand was planning to assassinate Cambodian leaders Hun Sen and Hun Manet. Thailand’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, through its spokesperson Nikorndej Balankura, firmly rejected these claims, labeling them as entirely unfounded and defaming. Balankura emphasized that spreading such false news during GBC discussions undermines the spirit of dialogue and the peaceful resolution of the situation, condemning it as a harmful attempt to derail diplomatic efforts.

The border conflict is further complicated by allegations of Cambodian troops laying anti-personnel mines, a clear violation of the Ottawa Convention, which bans the use, stockpiling, production, and transfer of landmines. In response to these concerns, the Royal Thai Army (RTA) is set to lead the ASEAN Interim Observation Team (IOT) on a mission to the Thai-Cambodian border to monitor alleged breaches of international law and ceasefire conditions. This follows earlier visits organized by the Thai government, including one where ASEAN envoys and representatives from countries that ratified the Ottawa Convention visited Si Sa Ket province. During their visit, envoys reportedly witnessed evidence of anti-personnel mines and spoke with affected residents. Thailand intends to send video and photo evidence of Cambodia laying landmines to Geneva. Additionally, 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, conducting interviews with local residents. The ICRC will compile a confidential report for both Thailand and Cambodia.

The seriousness of the situation has led to proposals for legal action against Cambodian leaders. Acting Prime Minister Phumtham Wechayachai confirmed that academics might submit a proposal for the government to consider suing Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet and his father, Hun Sen, as war criminals in the International Criminal Court (ICC). This comes after the National Security Council (NSC) resolved to file both criminal and civil lawsuits against them in Thai courts for allegedly ordering Cambodian troops to fire at Thai civilians, causing deaths, injuries, and property damage.

Another long-standing dispute centers on Ban Nong Chan village in Sa Kaeo province. This area, which once served as a temporary shelter for Cambodians fleeing civil war in 1977, is now a site of alleged Cambodian encroachment. Government spokesman Jirayu Houngsub stated that Cambodia took advantage of Thailand’s humanitarian aid, with refugees refusing to return home and instead expanding their community on Thai soil, building nearly 200 new homes and claiming the area as sovereign Cambodian land. Jirayu insisted that Thailand erected razor wire within its own boundaries to protect its territory from further encroachment and attacks, asserting that this action did not violate the August 7 GBC agreement. Cambodia, however, continues to reject Thailand’s border demarcation claims and is pressuring Thailand to dismantle these fences.

The conflict has also become a battleground for information. 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, with the top three directly concerning the situation. Acting Prime Minister Phumtham Wechayachai stressed the importance of fighting with truth, not information warfare, stating that only truth can resolve the issue. He underscored the need for peaceful solutions that prioritize the lives of affected people, cautioning against propaganda that stirs hatred.

International attention is also being drawn to the conflict. Acting Prime Minister Phumtham met with a delegation of four US lawmakers—two Republicans and two Democrats—who visited Thailand to follow regional developments. The discussions covered Thai-US relations, security, economic issues, and investment. The US delegation is scheduled to observe the Thai-Cambodian border conflict zone in Ubon Ratchathani province. Phumtham confirmed he informed the US delegation about Cambodia’s alleged mine-laying activities and emphasized addressing this issue, along with the barbed-wire fences, over discussions on cancelling Memoranda of Understanding 43 and 44. He expressed appreciation for their concern, noting their role as temporary observers, and highlighted that despite misunderstandings, progress towards further talks is anticipated.