Phnom Penh, Aug 11: Cambodia has accused Thailand of violating a recently agreed ceasefire after a senior Thai military commander announced plans to seize Ta Krobey temple and close Ta Moan Thom temple.
According to Cambodian Defence Ministry spokesperson Lt. Gen. Maly Socheata, the statement by Lt. Gen. Boonsin Padklang, Commander of Thailand’s 2nd Army Region, is “undeniable evidence of a provocative and premeditated attempt to invade Cambodia’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.” She said the move breaches the ceasefire agreed during a special meeting on July 28, as well as the spirit of the General Border Committee (GBC) meeting held on August 7 in Malaysia.
During the August 7 meeting, both countries agreed not to move troops or patrol beyond existing positions. “Cambodia maintains its firm commitment to peaceful resolution and strict implementation of the ceasefire, and hopes Thailand will do the same,” Socheata said.
The row comes days after Thailand claimed that three of its soldiers were injured in a landmine blast along the border in Sisaket Province. The Thai army alleged that Cambodian forces had laid the mines, which they said violated the Anti-Personnel Mine Ban Convention (Ottawa Convention).
Cambodia’s Mine Action and Victim Assistance Authority (CMAA) strongly rejected the accusations, stating that the country has neither planted nor will plant new landmines. It urged all parties to avoid unverified public accusations that could erode trust and cooperation under the ceasefire.
Both nations have long-standing border disputes around the temple sites, which have been flashpoints for military tensions in the past. Observers warn that the latest escalation could derail ongoing diplomatic efforts to restore lasting peace along the frontier.
