On August 10, with 51 days left before his retirement, Thai Second Army Area commander Boonsin Padklang said he planned to take control of Ta Krabey temple and close Ta Moan Thom temple. Cambodia says both sites are under its sovereignty. Its Defence Ministry spokesperson described the announcement as a deliberate provocation and a premeditated attempt to encroach on Cambodian territory.
At a 7 a.m. briefing on August 11, 2025, Defence Ministry spokesperson Maly Socheata said the plan would violate the ceasefire agreed at the July 28 special meeting and the spirit of the August 7 extraordinary Cambodia–Thailand General Border Committee (GBC) meeting in Malaysia.
She said point two of the agreement from the extraordinary GBC meeting barred both sides from moving troops or patrolling beyond their existing positions.
Maly Socheata reiterated Cambodia’s commitment to a peaceful settlement and strict compliance with the ceasefire. She urged Thailand to take the same position in good faith so that the stand-off could end and normal relations could resume.
She said border issues must be settled through technical mechanisms and international law.
The ministry called on the international community, especially countries that facilitated the ceasefire, to press Thailand to comply in practice, end actions Cambodia considered violations, and immediately remove barbed wire that Cambodia said had been laid covertly on its territory.
Maly Socheata said the border was generally calm and that both sides should build on this situation instead of obstructing the restoration of peace, stability and normal relations. She said public support for the ceasefire and the positive GBC outcome reflected that wish.
Preah Sihanouk Provincial Television. By ង៉ែត ពិសាន្ត
