Phnom penh: The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation has officially registered the Royal Government of Cambodia's strong protest and objection against Thailand's intention to apply Thai domestic law on Cambodian nationals in Chok Chey and Prey Chan villages, O' Beichoan commune, O' Chrov district, Banteay Meanchey province.
According to Agence Kampuchea Presse, the strong protest was lodged in a statement released by the Ministry. It highlighted several key points, starting with a warning issued by the Spokesperson of the First Military Region of the Royal Thai Army on September 18, 2025. The warning pertained to applying Thai domestic law against Cambodian nationals, imposing penalties up to life imprisonment or even the death penalty for 'acts against Thai sovereignty.' This came after incidents on September 17, 2025, where Thai security forces used tear gas and rubber bullets against Cambodian villagers in an attempt to exert territorial sovereignty over Prey Chan village.
The Cambodian government emphasized that Thailand's assertion of domestic law in the disputed territory violates fundamental obligations under Articles 2(3) and 2(4) of the United Nations Charter. These articles require peaceful dispute settlement and prohibit force against another state's territorial integrity. Applying severe penalties, including capital punishment, against peaceful protesters violates fundamental human rights, as guaranteed by international law. This action breaches the freedom of peaceful assembly and association, core norms under the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, both of which Thailand is a party to. Furthermore, it contravenes the ASEAN Charter and the Treaty of Amity and Cooperation, which obligate member states to settle disputes peacefully and avoid provocative actions.
The statement also criticized Thailand's intention to enforce its domestic law on Cambodian nationals engaged in peaceful protests as an attempt to assert sovereignty over an undemarcated area. This action violates Thailand's treaty obligations, particularly under the Memorandum of Understanding between Cambodia and Thailand on the Survey and Demarcation of Land Boundary (MoU 2000). The MoU serves as the foundational framework for addressing unresolved boundary issues and is critical to the Joint Boundary Commission's mandate.
Cambodia has called on Thailand to cease activities undermining efforts to de-escalate the situation, as mutually committed under the Ceasefire Agreement of July 28, 2025, and the Agreed Minutes of the General Border Committee dated August 7 and September 10, 2025. The Royal Government of Cambodia reaffirmed its commitment to resolving boundary disputes amicably and peacefully, in accordance with international law. It maintains its position that borders should not be changed by force and reserves all its rights under international law, asserting that Thailand's claims have no legal effect on the joint survey and demarcation process.