Is Southeast Asia on the brink of another border crisis?
That’s the uncomfortable question hanging in the air after Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet publicly accused Thailand of occupying Cambodian territory—despite a U.S.-brokered peace agreement meant to end last year’s deadly clashes.
In his first interview with international media since taking office, Hun Manet didn’t mince words. Speaking to Reuters during a visit to Washington, he claimed Thai troops remain stationed deep inside Cambodian territory, even after a December ceasefire. Thailand, however, flatly denies the accusation.
So what’s really happening along the 508-mile border? And why does it matter far beyond Southeast Asia?
Let’s break it down.
A Fragile Peace on the Cambodia–Thailand Border
The Cambodia–Thailand border has long been sensitive ground. But last year, tensions erupted into the worst fighting in more than a decade.
The July clashes displaced hundreds of thousands of civilians. Trade routes were disrupted. Families were forced to flee. Entire communities were caught in the crossfire.
An initial peace accord signed in October—brokered by former U.S. President Donald Trump and Malaysia’s prime minister—collapsed within weeks. It wasn’t until December 27 that a new ceasefire agreement took hold.
Yet according to Hun Manet, the situation remains dangerously unstable.
He described the border as “fragile,” emphasizing that peace on paper doesn’t necessarily reflect reality on the ground.
And here’s where things get serious.
Hun Manet: “Violation of Our Sovereignty”
Hun Manet alleges that Thai forces are still occupying areas Cambodia considers unquestionably its own territory.
“We still have Thai forces occupying deep into Cambodian territory in many areas,” he said.
He went further, claiming Thai troops have installed shipping containers and barbed wire barriers inside land that Thailand itself had historically recognized as Cambodian.
Imagine agreeing to stop fighting—then discovering your neighbor never actually left your yard.
That’s the metaphor Hun Manet is effectively drawing.
He insists this isn’t political theater. “This is not an accusation,” he said. “It’s a statement of the facts on the ground.”
From Cambodia’s perspective, the issue is simple: territorial integrity is non-negotiable. Sovereignty isn’t something you compromise on—it’s something you defend.
Thailand Pushes Back: “No Reinforcement”
Thailand, however, sees the situation very differently.
Thai Defense Ministry spokesperson Rear Admiral Surasant Kongsiri stated that Bangkok is adhering to the joint statement signed during the ceasefire.
“We are maintaining existing troop deployments. There has been no reinforcement,” he said.
In other words, Thailand argues that its forces are positioned exactly where they were agreed to be.
So who’s right?
That’s where the Joint Boundary Commission (JBC) comes in.
Why the Joint Boundary Commission Matters
Hun Manet is calling for Thailand to allow the Joint Boundary Commission to resume its technical demarcation work.
The JBC isn’t political—it’s technical. Its job is to measure, verify, and formally demarcate the disputed areas based on existing treaties and agreements.
Think of it as bringing in surveyors with GPS equipment instead of soldiers with rifles.
“The only way to verify that is using the technical mechanism that we have,” Hun Manet said. “We hope Thailand will allow the JBC to work as early as possible.”
Thailand had previously cited its February 8 election as a reason to delay the process. Now that the election is over, Cambodia wants demarcation efforts to begin—especially in what Hun Manet calls the “hot zone.”
Because here’s the reality: until borders are clearly defined and mutually recognized, tension lingers like dry grass waiting for a spark.
Political Winds in Thailand Add Complexity
Thailand’s recent election adds another layer to the crisis.
Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul reportedly rode a wave of nationalist sentiment following the border conflict. In moments like this, domestic politics can fuel regional tensions.
When leaders face pressure at home, border disputes can become symbolic battlegrounds.
But symbolism has consequences.
The July fighting displaced hundreds of thousands of people. Families still haven’t fully returned home. Businesses remain disrupted.
For civilians living near the border, this isn’t about politics—it’s about survival.
Hun Manet’s Washington Visit: A Diplomatic Shift
Hun Manet’s comments came during a visit to Washington, where he attended a meeting of Trump’s newly created “Board of Peace.”
Originally formed to oversee a Gaza peace plan, the board could potentially expand its scope. Hun Manet expressed hope that it might help stabilize the Cambodia–Thailand border situation.
This visit signals something bigger.
For years, Cambodia’s foreign policy leaned heavily toward China. But under Hun Manet, relations with Washington appear to be warming.
Is this a geopolitical pivot? Not exactly.
Hun Manet insists Cambodia’s foreign relationships aren’t a zero-sum game.
Balancing China and the United States
“We are a sovereign country,” Hun Manet said. “We pursue the policy of friends with all countries.”
He made it clear that Cambodia does not see its relationships with China and the U.S. as mutually exclusive.
That’s a crucial point.
Western governments have long scrutinized Cambodia’s growing ties with Beijing—particularly regarding the Chinese-upgraded Ream naval base. Washington has expressed concerns about potential military use.
Hun Manet responded firmly: Cambodia has “nothing to hide.”
Rather than choosing sides in global rivalry, Cambodia appears to be pursuing strategic neutrality—maintaining economic and security partnerships with both superpowers.
It’s a tightrope walk.
But in today’s multipolar world, small nations often survive by balancing giants rather than aligning exclusively with one.
A West Point Graduate in Charge
Hun Manet’s leadership style is also drawing attention.
At 48, he is a graduate of the U.S. Military Academy at West Point—an unusual credential for a Southeast Asian leader who inherited power from a father who ruled for nearly four decades.
When Hun Sen stepped down in 2023, his son’s ascension marked a generational shift in Cambodian politics.
Critics argue the election lacked meaningful opposition. Supporters say it ensured stability.
Regardless of perspective, Hun Manet represents a new chapter.
His Western military education and diplomatic outreach suggest a leader eager to reposition Cambodia on the global stage.
Democracy and Human Rights Under Scrutiny
Improving relations with Washington isn’t just about geopolitics—it’s also about governance.
Past U.S. administrations have pressured Cambodia over human rights and democratic standards. The country ranked 161 out of 180 in the World Press Freedom Index last year, according to Reporters Without Borders.
Hun Manet addressed the criticism head-on.
“Democracy is not just defined by political party expression,” he said. “It includes health, education, freedom of press, and others.”
It’s a broader definition than many Western policymakers would use.
But it reflects Cambodia’s narrative: that development and stability are part of democratic legitimacy.
Whether Washington agrees remains to be seen.
The Cyber Scam Crackdown: A Global Problem
Beyond border tensions, Hun Manet also addressed another international headache—cyber scam centers operating within Cambodia.
Over the past few years, Cambodia has become associated with large-scale online fraud operations, including romance scams targeting victims worldwide.
The U.S. Treasury imposed sanctions on individuals linked to these compounds.
Hun Manet insists his government is taking action.
“Yes, they exist,” he acknowledged. “Does that mean we allow them or endorse them? No.”
Cambodia has deported suspected scammers, shut down compounds, and is drafting new legislation to strengthen enforcement.
But he also emphasized that online scams are not solely Cambodia’s problem—they’re part of a global cybercrime ecosystem.
It’s a fair point. Fraud networks operate across borders, often exploiting legal gray zones and weak enforcement mechanisms.
Still, international scrutiny remains intense.
What’s at Stake?
Zoom out for a moment.
On one side, you have a fragile border ceasefire that could unravel if technical demarcation stalls.
On another, you have Cambodia recalibrating its diplomatic relationships between Washington and Beijing.
Add in human rights scrutiny and cybercrime crackdowns, and you get a country navigating multiple high-stakes fronts simultaneously.
The border dispute isn’t just about land.
It’s about sovereignty, national identity, and political credibility.
For Hun Manet, this is a defining test of leadership.
Can he protect territorial integrity without escalating conflict?
Can he balance superpower relations without alienating either side?
Can he reform governance structures while maintaining political stability?
Those aren’t easy questions.
The Road Ahead
Right now, the key lies in technical diplomacy.
If the Joint Boundary Commission begins demarcation work soon, tensions could cool. Clear lines reduce ambiguity. Ambiguity breeds suspicion.
But if delays persist—or if either side feels politically cornered—the fragile ceasefire could fracture.
History shows how quickly border disputes can spiral.
The good news? Both governments publicly state they want de-escalation.
The challenge? Translating words into action.
Final Thoughts: Peace Requires Precision
Peace isn’t just about signing agreements.
It’s about implementation. Verification. Transparency.
Hun Manet’s accusations highlight the razor-thin line between ceasefire and conflict. Thailand’s denials underscore the complexity of interpreting troop deployments in disputed areas.
In the end, sovereignty disputes are like cracks in a dam. Ignore them, and pressure builds. Address them with precision, and stability holds.
The coming months will determine whether the Cambodia–Thailand border becomes a model of technical diplomacy—or a flashpoint once again.
For now, the region watches.
And the world listens.
❓ FAQ
Hun Manet claims Thai forces remain inside Cambodian territory despite a December ceasefire agreement, calling it a violation of Cambodia’s sovereignty.
Although a ceasefire was reached on December 27, tensions remain high as both sides dispute troop positions along the contested border areas.
The Joint Boundary Commission is a bilateral technical body responsible for measuring and demarcating disputed border areas based on existing treaties and agreements.
Thailand denies occupying Cambodian territory, stating it is maintaining previously agreed troop positions under the ceasefire terms.
The conflict escalated in July with the worst fighting in over a decade, displacing hundreds of thousands and disrupting trade along the 817-kilometer border.
Yes. Without clear demarcation and mutual agreement through the Joint Boundary Commission, the fragile peace could unravel, increasing the risk of renewed clashes.