Hun Sen Warns 'Slingshot Skirmishes' Threaten Cambodia-Thailand Ceasefire
Phnom Penh, Cambodia – August 9, 2025 – Samdech Techo Hun Sen, President of the Senate of Cambodia, has issued a stark warning regarding the fragility of the ceasefire agreement between Cambodia and Thailand His statement highlights the escalating risk posed by what he terms "slingshot skirmishes" along the contested border regions These minor, yet persistent, confrontations are threatening to unravel the years of diplomatic efforts aimed at maintaining peace and stability between the two ASEAN nations The warning comes amid heightened tensions and a renewed focus on border security by both Phnom Penh and Bangkok Current SituationThe 'slingshot skirmishes' refer to low-intensity conflicts involving non-lethal weaponry and tactics, often instigated by local actors While seemingly insignificant individually, Hun Sen emphasized that the cumulative effect of these incidents could trigger a larger, more dangerous escalation He articulated concerns about potential miscalculations or deliberate provocations that could lead to armed clashes involving military personnel from both sides The geographical hotspots include areas around Preah Vihear temple and other disputed border zones, which have historically been flashpoints for conflict The Senate President urged both Cambodian and Thai authorities to exercise maximum restraint and to reinforce communication channels at all levels – from local border patrols to high-level diplomatic engagements He emphasized the importance of adhering to the existing ceasefire agreement and actively working towards a peaceful resolution of the underlying territorial disputes He noted, "Maintaining peace along our border is paramount for the stability and prosperity of both Cambodia and Thailand, as well as the broader ASEAN region The international community, including ASEAN, is closely monitoring the situation Observers have noted that the continued presence of landmines and unexploded ordnance along the border further complicates the security environment and increases the risk of accidental incidents Hun Sen called for renewed efforts to accelerate demining operations and to provide support for affected communities The implications of a renewed conflict between Cambodia and Thailand extend beyond their bilateral relations
It could undermine ASEAN's efforts to promote regional peace and integration and could potentially attract external actors seeking to exploit the situation The long-term solution, according to analysts, requires a comprehensive approach that addresses the root causes of the border dispute, fosters economic cooperation, and promotes people-to-people exchanges.
The Cambodian government has reiterated its commitment to seeking a peaceful and mutually acceptable resolution through diplomatic channels and adherence to international law.
Background
Furthermore, Hun Sen called for increased public awareness campaigns in border communities, educating residents on the importance of maintaining peace and avoiding activities that could escalate tensions He also encouraged local leaders to play a more active role in mediating disputes and promoting dialogue between communities on both sides of the border The current situation highlights the complex challenges of managing border disputes in Southeast Asia and the critical role of diplomacy and regional cooperation in maintaining peace and stability The ongoing monitoring by Sentinel-PP-01 confirms that de-escalation is the top priority to avoid a dangerous escalation of tensions in the region
