Cambodian officials have strongly condemned what they describe as “despicable acts” of violence against Cambodians in Thailand. Ministry of Defence spokesperson Marie Sokcheata called for the Thai government to account for violent incidents, some of which have been captured on video and widely circulated online.
One viral clip shows a former Thai boxer confronting Cambodian workers at a local market. He demanded one of them publicly denounce recent Cambodian military actions. When the man remained silent and simply smiled, the Thai individual slapped him in front of cameras. The incident has sparked a national conversation in Thailand, with many citizens criticising the boxer’s actions and calling for peaceful resolutions instead of vigilantism.
Despite deleting the footage from social media, the former fighter has not issued an apology or clarification. Thai netizens have urged for cooler heads to prevail and for diplomatic channels to take over.
Evacuation Efforts and Diplomatic Talks Underway
The ongoing border skirmishes, which have already left more than 30 people dead, have forced tens of thousands to evacuate. As the humanitarian toll rises, both Cambodian and Thai officials are expected to meet in Kuala Lumpur for peace talks hosted by Malaysia, co-facilitated by the United States, with China also participating.
The mass exodus has overwhelmed checkpoints and created significant logistical challenges. Cambodian authorities are coordinating resources at major border crossings to accommodate returning citizens. Temporary shelters, food supplies, and medical support have been mobilised across key provinces, although reports suggest facilities are being pushed to capacity.
Meanwhile, Thailand’s public image has taken a hit amid international scrutiny over its handling of migrant rights. The Thai government has yet to formally respond to the Cambodian Defence Ministry’s demands for accountability but is said to be preparing for a statement ahead of the diplomatic session.
If tensions continue to escalate, analysts warn of long-term economic and political ramifications, especially in border provinces reliant on cross-border labour and trade.
Cambodians returning from Thailand are advised to register with local agencies for support and to avoid unofficial crossings due to ongoing military activity in the area. International observers are closely monitoring the situation, with growing calls for ASEAN intervention if bilateral efforts fail to de-escalate the crisis.