Online dispute persists between Cambodians and Thais in the digital realm
Thailand and Cambodia are currently under an uneasy ceasefire following border clashes that began on July 24, 2025. The ceasefire, brokered by the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) with Malaysia chairing the process, was agreed upon four days later [1][4].
The ceasefire was initiated by the rotating presidency of ASEAN, with Malaysia under Anwar Ibrahim playing a significant role [2]. However, both countries continue to accuse each other of ceasefire violations and military provocations [1][2].
Chum Sounry, the spokesperson for the Cambodian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, held a press conference on July 30, where he mentioned that the president supported the ceasefire initiative [3]. The nature of the support provided by the president was not specified.
Despite the ceasefire, tensions and distrust persist. Cambodia's Defense Ministry has accused Thailand of planning new military actions along the border, including evacuations and airstrikes reported in Serin Province on the Thai side [1][2]. Thailand has strongly denied these claims, reiterating its commitment to maintaining cordial relations and abiding by international law.
This state of mutual accusations and denials indicates a form of information war, where both countries use official statements and media outlets to cast blame on the other, possibly to gain international sympathy or leverage in negotiations [2]. The ongoing presence of large military deployments and sporadic artillery activity underscores the fragility of the truce [2].
The conflict between Thailand and Cambodia has resulted in at least 40 deaths and displaced over 260,000 people [5]. As of early August 2025, talks continue with the goal of establishing a monitoring mechanism to oversee compliance [1]. A defense ministerial meeting involving representatives from the US and China is also expected to take place to further deliberate on the matter [1][4].
It is important to note that the nature or cause of the conflict remains unclear [6][7]. Both Phnom Penh and Bangkok are blaming each other for their responsibilities in the clashes and tensions [8].
References:
[1] NHK World-Japan, Aug 4, 2025, "Uneasy truce along Thai-Cambodia border as talks proceed" [2] Al Jazeera, Aug 4, 2025, "Thailand denies ceasefire violation claims by Cambodia ahead of..." [3] Chum Sounry, Press Conference, July 30, 2025 [4] Britannica, Aug 2, 2025, "Thailand-Cambodia Conflict (2025) Background & Ceasefire" [5] UNHCR, Aug 3, 2025, "Over 260,000 displaced due to Thailand-Cambodia border conflict" [6] No specific details were provided about the nature or cause of the conflict. [7] No further information is provided about the nature or cause of the conflict. [8] Both Phnom Penh and Bangkok are accusing each other of waging an information war.
- The ongoing dispute between Thailand and Cambodia, marked by mutual accusations and denials, can be seen as a form of information war, with both countries using official statements and media outlets to cast blame on the other, potentially to gain international sympathy or leverage in negotiations.
- Policy-and-legislation and politics have taken center stage in the Thailand-Cambodia conflict as both countries navigate through the ceasefire agreements while accusing each other of ceasefire violations and military provocations.
- Crime-and-justice issues have emerged in the context of the Thailand-Cambodia border conflict, with Thailand vehemently denying claims of planning new military actions, including evacuations and airstrikes, made by Cambodia's Defense Ministry.
