Tensions between Thailand and Cambodia have escalated amidst a series of serious allegations, border disputes, and diplomatic exchanges, further complicated by the proliferation of disinformation. The Thai Ministry of Foreign Affairs has firmly rejected claims circulating on social media, reportedly cited by Cambodia’s Minister of Information, that Thailand is planning to assassinate Cambodian leaders Hun Sen and Hun Manet. These accusations were vehemently denied by Nikorndej Balankura, Director-General of the Department of Information, who described them as entirely unfounded and clearly intended to defame Thailand, undermining constructive dialogue during General Border Committee (GBC) discussions.

Adding to the friction, Thailand maintains its right to detain 18 Cambodian prisoners of war (POWs) under international law, asserting that repatriation will only occur once a ceasefire and hostilities have definitively ceased. Royal Thai Army spokesman Maj Gen Winthai Suwaree stressed that Thailand’s actions comply with international legal and humanitarian principles, particularly the Geneva Conventions, contrary to Cambodia’s calls for a swift return. The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) has been granted access to inspect the detainees’ conditions, with a delegation visiting on August 5 to ensure their treatment aligns with international norms.

A significant point of contention revolves around alleged violations of the Ottawa Convention on landmines. An incident involving landmine use, occurring just two days after a GBC meeting where Cambodia rejected a joint landmine clearance proposal, was deemed a clear violation. Thailand has taken diplomatic action, with its ambassadors to the UN in Geneva and New York protesting the incidents to the chair of the Ottawa Convention and the UN Secretary-General, requesting action against Cambodia for breaching the treaty.

International scrutiny has also focused on the border area. 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. Prior to this, ASEAN envoys and representatives from countries that ratified the Ottawa Convention visited Si Sa Ket province, where they witnessed evidence of anti-personnel mines allegedly laid by Cambodian troops and interviewed affected residents. The Thai government expects these findings to be reported to respective governments and raised within the international community.

Humanitarian concerns have also drawn attention. The ICRC, in coordination with the RTA, Foreign Ministry, and Interior Ministry, facilitated visits to assess the humanitarian impact of cross-border attacks on civilians in Surin, Si Sa Ket, and Ubon Ratchathani provinces. Representatives interviewed local residents to gather facts on the ground. The ICRC will compile a confidential report on the humanitarian impact, submitting it directly to both Thailand and Cambodia, underscoring Thailand’s commitment to strengthening humanitarian protection mechanisms.

Another deeply contentious issue involves accusations of Cambodian encroachment on Thai soil. Government spokesman Jirayu Houngsub stated that Cambodians had betrayed Thai hospitality and humanitarian aid by establishing a community at Ban Nong Chan village in Sa Kaeo, which was initially a temporary shelter for Cambodian refugees in 1977. Jirayu alleged that Cambodia took advantage of Thailand’s humanitarian efforts to encroach on Thai territory, with refugees refusing to return home and instead expanding their community. Thailand accused Cambodia of using its citizens as a human wall to provoke border tensions and further encroachment.

In response, Thailand erected razor wire within its own boundaries to protect its territory from further encroachment and attacks by Cambodian troops, who have also allegedly laid landmines. Jirayu insisted that this action did not violate GBC agreements, which stipulated that neither side would construct structures outside their territories. These measures were taken while denying allegations made by a Cambodian-hired lobbyist that Thai troops were blocking hundreds of Cambodians from returning home by sealing off their village.

The possibility of legal action against Cambodian leaders has also emerged. Acting Prime Minister Phumtham Wechayachai indicated an openness to academics submitting a proposal to sue Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet and his father, Hun Sen, in the International Criminal Court (ICC) as war criminals. This follows a National Security Council (NSC) resolution to file both criminal and civil lawsuits against them in Thai courts for causing deaths, injuries, and property damage to Thais through orders to Cambodian troops.

Compounding these complex issues is a significant problem with disinformation. The Ministry of Digital Economy and Society (DES) reported that eight out of the top ten fake news items last week were false reports related to the Thai-Cambodian border conflict, with the border situation dominating the top three fake news items, highlighting the challenges in managing public perception and maintaining clear communication amidst the ongoing diplomatic and territorial disputes.