Cambodia Says Thai Troops Still Occupy Civilian Areas, Risks Truce

Post by : Saif Nasser

Cambodia has raised new concerns about the fragile peace with Thailand, saying Thai troops are still present in Cambodian civilian areas despite a ceasefire reached last December. Cambodian Foreign Minister Prak Sokhonn said some villages have been barricaded with barbed wire and shipping containers, preventing around 4,000 families from returning home.

The December truce was meant to halt weeks of violent clashes along the border. In December, fighting lasted 20 days and killed 101 people, forcing over half a million to flee on both sides. Bridges, roads, schools, temples, and homes were destroyed in the process, leaving lasting damage to civilian life and infrastructure.

Prak Sokhonn listed at least four areas where Thai troops remain inside Cambodian territory. He urged Thailand to fully respect the ceasefire to prevent a repeat of the clashes. “The situation remains calm, but there are risks as well,” he said. Cambodia has also requested a meeting of the Joint Boundary Commission, the official body meant to demarcate the border, but Thailand has not confirmed its participation yet.

Thailand, however, dismissed the accusations, saying that current troop positions are part of agreed de-escalation measures and do not constitute occupation. The Thai foreign ministry said the government is preparing to resume talks through the Joint Boundary Commission after its elections in February.

Experts warn that delays in dialogue and unresolved troop presence could threaten the fragile peace. The conflict between Thailand and Cambodia is long-standing, and border clashes have flared repeatedly over the last century.

Efforts by international mediators have helped slow the fighting. Former U.S. President Donald Trump, Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, and Chinese envoys played a role in helping the countries reach a truce. In late December, a Chinese special envoy visited both Bangkok and Phnom Penh, and diplomats from China, Thailand, and Cambodia met in Yunnan province to rebuild trust.

Despite these diplomatic efforts, the continued presence of troops in civilian areas is a serious concern. Both nations face pressure to uphold the ceasefire, remove barricades, and allow displaced families to return. Experts say that restoring trust and maintaining open communication are essential for long-term peace in the region.

Cambodia’s warning is a reminder that even small violations of peace agreements can escalate tensions. Without prompt action and dialogue, the risk of renewed clashes remains high. The focus now is on compliance with the truce, resuming boundary talks, and safeguarding civilians in the disputed areas.