SA KAEO — The Royal Thai Army (RTA) has accused Cambodia of orchestrating a civilian-led land incursion into Thai territory in Sa Kaeo province, calling it a deliberate strategy to avoid direct military confrontation.

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RTA spokesman Maj Gen Winthai Suvaree stated Monday that Cambodian civilians have been constructing homes beyond an agreed-upon refugee zone in Ban Nong Chan, Khok Sung district. The area was originally designated in 1977 as a humanitarian shelter for Cambodians fleeing internal conflict. However, after the conflict ended, some refugees refused to leave, and the Cambodian government later claimed the land as its own, supporting further settlement expansions into Thai territory.

Thailand has protested the encroachment since 2014, but Cambodia has continued to push its civilian population forward, Maj Gen Winthai said. “This appears to be a calculated move to avoid military clashes while advancing territorial claims,” he added. “If Thailand takes action, Cambodia may distort the situation to gain international sympathy.”

New flashpoint: A satellite image released by the Second Army Region shows the location of Ban Nong Chan, in Sa Kaeo province, relative to the boundary markers along the Thai-Cambodia border. The army says the area is now inhabited by Cambodians, who insist that the area is… pic.twitter.com/wp5BwXfSPI

— Bangkok Post (@BangkokPostNews) August 18, 2025

Acting Prime Minister Phumtham Wechayachai confirmed Monday that Thailand has fortified the area with concertina wire to prevent further unauthorized entry. He emphasized that Cambodia’s actions misuse Thailand’s past humanitarian goodwill, urging a resolution through diplomatic channels rather than civilian encroachment.

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The dispute highlights escalating tensions along the eastern border, with Thailand now taking physical measures to secure its sovereignty amid what it calls Cambodia’s “insincere” territorial ambitions.

-Thailand News (TN)