Cambodian Information Minister Neth Pheaktra on 2/1 accused the Thai military of "beginning to illegally annex territory, especially in Chouk Chey village", following over 20 days of fighting last month.

Cambodia stated the village was located in a disputed area between the two nations, with around 3,000 residents before the conflict erupted in early 12/2025. After the parties reached a ceasefire agreement on 27/12/2025, Cambodia observed the Thai military destroying civilian structures, laying barbed wire, and stacking containers to form a "border wall", and hoisting the Thai flag in the area.

A map released by Cambodia's Ministry of Information shows the Thai military is present in an area Phnom Penh claims sovereignty over, with points approximately 750 m from the demarcation line drawn by Cambodia. Cambodia affirmed it would not recognize any border changes resulting from the use of force.

Thai military erected containers and barbed wire at the entrance to Chouk Chey village, in an image released by Cambodia on 2/1. *Photo: AFP*

Phnom Penh emphasized the protection of international borders according to historical documents and international law, and called for the swift resumption of border demarcation work through the two countries' Joint Border Committee.

Meanwhile, Bangkok rejected the accusation of "annexing the border village", asserting no acts of aggression or occupation of Cambodian territory, and emphasized that the areas they currently control remain within Thai sovereignty and operational boundaries.

The Thai military asserted it established control over areas that "have always belonged to Thailand" but have been encroached upon by Cambodian forces and civilians recently. They declared current operations serve only to ensure safety, prevent sovereignty infringement, and de-escalate tensions.

Thailand and Cambodia border. *Graphic: BBC*

Acting Thai Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul reassured the public that there would be no "third round of conflict" at the Cambodian border. He affirmed both sides are adhering to the ceasefire, calling on the public to trust security agencies and not allow tensions to escalate again.

Chouk Chey village is located in the border area between Cambodia's Banteay Meanchey province and Thailand's Sa Kaeo province. The village was a flashpoint in 8/2025, when clashes occurred between Cambodian protesters and Thai police regarding the erection of barbed wire fences, escalating tensions in this sensitive border region.

By Thanh Danh (Sources: AFP, Nation, AKP, Kiripost)