On September 17, 2025, Thai police fired tear gas and rubber bullets at Cambodian protesters in a disputed border area near Prey Chan village in Cambodia’s Banteay Meanchey province. The incident occurred at a settlement that Thailand claims as part of its Ban Nong Ya Kaew village in Sa Kaeo province, while Cambodia asserts it is part of Prey Chan.
The clash marks the most significant escalation since a ceasefire was brokered in July to end a deadly five-day conflict. According to Cambodian authorities, at least 23 Cambodians were injured in the incident. Thailand’s military reported that an unspecified number of Thai officials also sustained injuries.
The protests were sparked by the installation of barbed wire fences by Thai authorities in the area last month. For weeks, civilians from both sides of the border have been demonstrating against the barriers.
Cambodia’s information minister, Neth Pheaktra, accused Thai officials of encroaching across the border and using excessive force against Cambodian civilians. He stated that Thai forces used tear gas, rubber bullets, and noise-making devices to disperse the protesters.
The border dispute between Thailand and Cambodia is rooted in conflicting interpretations of a 1907 colonial-era map and sovereignty issues surrounding the Preah Vihear temple. In 1962, the International Court of Justice ruled in favor of Cambodia regarding the temple’s ownership. However, tensions have persisted, with both nations accusing each other of violating ceasefire terms and engaging in provocative actions.
The recent clash underscores the fragility of the ceasefire and the ongoing volatility in the region. Both countries have yet to comment on the possibility of resuming dialogue to address the underlying issues.
The international community continues to monitor the situation closely, urging both Thailand and Cambodia to exercise restraint and seek peaceful resolutions to their disputes.
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