AKP Phnom Penh, April 03, 2026 --

Cambodia has renewed its appeal to Thailand to respect the ceasefire with goodwill and honesty in order to restore normalcy, peace, stability, and long-term security along the shared border.

According to a press release issued on April 2 by H.E. Lt. Gen. Maly Socheata, Spokeswoman for the Ministry of National Defence of the Kingdom of Cambodia, the official Facebook page of the Royal Thai Army published information regarding the reinforcement of barbed wire and the deployment of armored vehicles at the O’Smach area, within Cambodian territory currently under illegal occupation by Thai forces, alleging that there were provocative actions from the Cambodian side.

In response, the Cambodian Ministry of National Defence firmly rejected these accusations, describing them as “entirely untrue and baseless.” The spokesperson emphasised that Cambodian forces continue to operate in strict accordance with military discipline, leadership directives, and professional standards. They remain committed to exercising restraint, responsibility, and vigilance in safeguarding national sovereignty while avoiding escalation and maintaining peace in border areas.

The statement also highlighted that the ASEAN Observer Team (AOT) had verified the situation at the O’Smach International Border Checkpoint in Samraong City, Oddar Meanchey province, on Mar. 29, 2026. Despite this verification, at approximately 6:20 a.m. on April 2, Thai forces reportedly deployed two armored vehicles and around 70 personnel to the crossing.

Additionally, Thai troops were said to have reinforced barbed wire in areas under disputed control and conducted military activities without prior notification to Cambodia’s Military Region 4 Liaison Team. In response, the Cambodian side immediately contacted Thailand’s Army Region 2, calling for an immediate halt to these actions and urging full adherence to existing agreements.

Cambodia underscored that since the ceasefire came into effect, both the Royal Government and its armed forces have remained fully committed to implementing the Joint Statement of the Third Special Meeting of the Cambodia-Thailand General Border Committee (GBC) dated Dec. 27, 2025, the Joint Declaration on the Peace Agreement of Oct. 26, 2025, and other related accords.

In this context, the Ministry of National Defence called on Thailand to demonstrate the same level of commitment, goodwill, and sincerity to ensure lasting peace, stability, and security along the Cambodia-Thailand border.

By C. Nika