(Phnom Penh): Chum Sounry, Spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, said that Cambodia rejects Thailand’s accusation that Cambodia is using Cambodian civilians as human shields, stressing that those residents have long been living in the area.

The spokesperson spoke on Thursday (Aug. 28) during a press conference.

On 25 August 2025, starting from 2:20 p.m., Thai military forces attempted to encroach in Chouk Chey village, Ou Beichoan commune, Ou Chrov district, Banteay Meanchey province, opposite to Nong Chan village, Khok Sung district, Sa Kaeo province of Thailand. However, their attempt was strongly resisted by Cambodian villagers and local authorities in Chork Chrey, forcing the Thai troops to withdraw their encroachment.

“This accusation is baseless and does not reflect the reality, as Cambodian civilians have long resided in that area and are, in fact, the victims of unilateral military actions, including the installment of barbed wire and the barriers preventing them from accessing their homes and farmland," the spokesperson underscored.

On 25 August 2025 Cambodia sent a diplomatic note to the Thai side to strongly protest against the continuous encroachment actions persistently undertaken by Thai military forces into the Cambodia-Thailand border area, especially area where Cambodian people have been living.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation reiterated the Royal Government of Cambodia’s unwavering commitment to seeking peaceful solutions to border disputes with all neighbouring countries in a spirit of friendship, in accordance with international law, while firmly upholding its principle that borders must not be altered by the use of force.
=FRESH NEWS