Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet told Fox News the Thai-Cambodian border situation is highly tense. He claimed Thai troops have crossed beyond disputed overlapping areas and fenced off villages, preventing over 80,000 Cambodians from returning home. Despite a ceasefire brokered by Donald Trump last year, he is preparing to discuss the issue with the "Board of Peace" this week.
Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet gave a special interview to Fox News Digital, stating that the Thai military has advanced into territory long held by Cambodia, extending beyond the overlapping disputed area. They have used barbed wire and shipping containers to block villages, causing more than 80,000 Cambodians to be unable to return to their homes.
Hun Manet said, "This occupation exceeds the area claimed solely by Thailand. Many villagers cannot return to their ancestral homes." He emphasized Cambodia's commitment to resolving the issue peacefully and expressed skepticism that war can be a sustainable solution to end conflict.
The situation undermines the ceasefire agreement brokered by President Donald Trump last year during the ASEAN summit in Kuala Lumpur. At that time, Trump proudly declared himself the mediator who ended the conflict between these two powerful armies.
However, recent reports indicate clashes along the border and damage near the Preah Vihear temple. Cambodian authorities blame the Thai military, while Thailand denies targeting religious or cultural sites, stating their operations are solely for security purposes.
This week, Prime Minister Hun Manet traveled to Washington, D.C., to attend a meeting of the "Board of Peace" established by Trump, aiming to find a resolution to restore normalcy to the situation.
Beyond the Thai issue, Hun Manet clarified Cambodia's relations with the U.S. and China, stating that engaging with competing major powers does not mean one’s victory is the other's total loss. As a smaller nation, Cambodia cannot favor one side over the other.
He also addressed the Ream Naval Base issue, affirming that Cambodia has not granted China exclusive use. Recently, the U.S. warship USS Cincinnati docked only 150 meters from a Chinese warship, demonstrating Cambodia's adherence to its constitution, which prohibits foreign military bases on its soil.
Cambodia announced the resumption of the "Angkor Sentinel" joint military exercises with the U.S. this year after a suspension since 2017. It also confirmed cooperation with the FBI to dismantle call center scams and "pig butchering" frauds, recently arresting a powerful figure known as "Okya" and shutting down major establishments linked to these operations.
The Thai military has not yet responded to requests for comment regarding the allegations of encroachment into the overlapping disputed areas.