Thailand has rejected claims that its forces have seized Cambodian territory, insisting that recent military actions along the border are defensive and have taken place within its own territory or in areas subject to overlapping claims.
In a statement dated 2nd January 2026, Thailand’s Joint Press Centre on the Thai-Cambodian border dismissed reports by some foreign media alleging that Thai forces used military action to seize Cambodian land and prevent residents from returning to their homes. The centre said such wording does not reflect the facts or the legal status of the areas concerned.
It stated that Thailand’s actions occurred within Thai territory and in locations near overlapping claim areas that remain under discussion through bilateral mechanisms and international law. The centre stressed that these actions do not amount to an invasion or occupation of another country’s territory.
The statement said Thailand’s actions had three objectives.
- To protect the safety of people in the area.
- To prevent violations of sovereignty and territorial integrity.
- To control the situation and reduce tensions to prevent the conflict from expanding.
The press centre said Thailand remains committed to the UN Charter and international law, and that any use of force has been necessary and proportionate. It reaffirmed its preference for peaceful approaches through dialogue and cooperation to achieve a sustainable resolution.
It also urged the media to report comprehensively and accurately, using terminology that reflects the legal status of disputed areas to avoid misunderstandings internationally. The centre added that Thailand remains open to providing facts and evidence to media organisations and international partners on the basis of transparency and mutual respect.
The statement follows the release of 18 Cambodian soldiers who were captured during clashes in July 2025 and handed over under a ceasefire agreement signed on December 27, 2025.
The transfer was delayed by one day after Thailand raised concerns over alleged ceasefire violations, including drone incursions. The handover took place amid diplomatic pressure from China to uphold the truce. The soldiers, dressed in civilian clothing, were greeted by supporters as they crossed a border checkpoint into Cambodia.
Their detention had fuelled nationalist sentiment in Cambodia, where their return was a central demand in ceasefire negotiations.
On Wednesday, Thailand’s foreign ministry described the release as a “demonstration of goodwill” and said it hoped Cambodia would respond with concrete actions. Cambodia’s defence ministry confirmed the return, saying it “remains hopeful” the move would help build trust and confidence.
Under the ceasefire terms, the soldiers were to be handed over within 72 hours by noon on Tuesday. Bangkok said the delay was due to more than 250 alleged Cambodian unmanned aerial vehicle incursions into Thai airspace on Sunday.
Despite these tensions, the ceasefire has so far held. The agreement froze front lines, banned reinforcements, and aimed to allow displaced civilians to return home.
The border dispute dates back more than a century and centres on undemarcated areas near ancient temples claimed by both sides based on historical maps and treaties. Tensions escalated earlier this year after a group of Cambodian women sang patriotic songs at a disputed temple site.
A Cambodian soldier was killed in a clash in May. Five days of intense fighting in July caused dozens of military and civilian deaths and displaced thousands. A ceasefire signed in October and brokered by US President Donald Trump later collapsed, with renewed hostilities erupting early this month.
Weeks of fighting followed, displacing nearly one million people before the latest December agreement was reached.
Cambodia has repeatedly called for resolution through the Joint Boundary Commission and international law, while Thailand has stressed bilateral mechanisms. Cambodia has recently proposed an urgent meeting of the Joint Commission on Demarcation for Land Boundary in early January 2026 to resume survey work, as the fragile peace continues to hold.
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