Cambodia Rejects Shocking Claims by Thai Media—Here’s What Travelers and Locals Need to Know!

Published on December 15, 2025

In recent statement, Cambodia’s Ministry of National Defence has strongly denied claims made by Thai media and official sources regarding a suspension of cross-border travel. The allegations suggested that Cambodia was restricting the movement of Thai citizens and violating international laws. The Ministry, led by Lieutenant General Maly Socheata, emphasized that these claims were false and misrepresented the intentions of Cambodia’s government.

Denial of Claims and Clarification of Actions

According to Lieutenant General Maly Socheata, the Royal Government of Cambodia has only suspended entry and exit movements at specific land and maritime border checkpoints with Thailand where hostilities had recently occurred. This suspension was implemented as a precautionary measure to protect civilian lives and reduce the risk of casualties resulting from what she described as indiscriminate cross-border firing by Thai military forces.

The spokesperson clarified that this decision did not amount to a complete border closure. Air travel between Cambodia and Thailand remains fully operational, and border crossings that are unaffected by the hostilities, as well as crossings with other neighboring countries, continue without disruption.

No Restrictions on Movement for Thai Citizens or Foreign Residents

In addition to addressing the border concerns, the Ministry of National Defence emphasized that Cambodia remains committed to respecting international law. Lieutenant General Maly Socheata assured the public that the government’s actions were not aimed at restricting the freedom of movement of Thai citizens or any foreign nationals residing in Cambodia. The statement underlined that Cambodia, as a sovereign state, upholds all tenets of international humanitarian law and is dedicated to ensuring the safety and security of both Cambodian citizens and foreign residents alike.

She further noted that Thai citizens currently within Cambodia would not face any restrictions due to the current situation. The Cambodian government remains committed to peaceful coexistence and will continue to uphold its obligations under international treaties and conventions.

Commitment to Peace and Stability

In her statement, Lieutenant General Maly Socheata also highlighted Cambodia’s unwavering commitment to maintaining peace in the region. She referred to the Joint Declaration on the Peace Agreement between Cambodia and Thailand, which emphasizes a ceasefire and the peaceful resolution of disputes. Cambodia, she confirmed, continues to honor and strictly abide by this agreement and has acted in accordance with the highest standards of goodwill and responsibility.

The Cambodian government also expressed its hope that Thailand would respect and adhere to the Joint Declaration, which was signed on October 26, 2025, under the auspices of U.S. President Donald Trump. This agreement represents a critical step toward peaceful relations between the two nations, ensuring that both sides remain committed to finding a fair and just resolution to any tensions.

Cambodia’s Commitment to International Cooperation

The clarification from the Ministry of National Defence comes at a time when Cambodia is keen to strengthen its role in international diplomacy and maintain peaceful relations with its neighbors. Cambodia’s leadership has consistently voiced its support for multilateral cooperation and conflict resolution in accordance with international law. The ongoing situation with Thailand serves as a reminder of the importance of upholding agreements and fostering dialogue between nations to prevent conflicts and promote regional stability.

The Royal Government of Cambodia also affirmed that it will continue working with international partners, including Thailand, to resolve any outstanding issues peacefully. Cambodia’s commitment to diplomacy and international cooperation remains steadfast as the country navigates the complexities of regional security.

The Role of the International Community

As tensions between Cambodia and Thailand continue to unfold, it is clear that both countries recognize the importance of resolving their differences in a manner that respects international norms. The United States, as a facilitator of the peace agreement, has played a crucial role in encouraging both parties to adhere to the principles of peaceful dispute resolution.

Cambodia’s stance on the current situation demonstrates its commitment to international law and its dedication to maintaining peace with Thailand and other neighboring countries. With the world increasingly interconnected, the role of the international community in supporting diplomatic initiatives becomes more vital than ever in ensuring lasting peaceand stability in the region.

Moving Forward: Cambodia’s Ongoing Efforts for Peace

While the current tensions between Cambodia and Thailand have caused some disruptions, Cambodia’s Ministry of National Defence remains confident that the issues will be resolved through continued dialogue and adherence to international agreements. The Cambodian government is focused on ensuring that its citizens and foreign nationals remain safe and that the country continues to play an active role in promoting peace and security within Southeast Asia.

For travelers, the message from Cambodia is clear: the border suspension does not extend beyond areas affected by hostilities, and normal travel routes to other countries are unaffected. The situation will be closely monitored, and updates will be provided as more information becomes available.

Conclusion: Cambodia’s Peaceful Approach to Border Tensions

Cambodia’s rejection of false claims made by Thai media serves as a reminder of the country’s commitment to peaceful conflict resolution and international cooperation. The Ministry of National Defence has emphasized that the border restrictions in place are purely precautionary and designed to protect civilian lives. As Cambodia continues to uphold international law, it is expected that the ongoing situation with Thailand will be resolved diplomatically, reinforcing the country’s role as a responsible and peaceful member of the global community.