https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vw5P-O0Tmb4
Gemini said
In a series of recent high-stakes remarks from Washington D.C., Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet has described the current ceasefire with Thailand as "fragile," accusing Thai forces of continuing to occupy Cambodian territory despite a peace deal brokered by U.S. President Donald Trump.The conflict, which saw its worst fighting in over a decade in July 2025, has been under a tenuous truce since December 27, 2025. Here is the breakdown of the current situation as of February 2026:
Key Accusations and "Facts on the Ground"
During his first major interview with international media (Reuters) on February 17, 2026, Hun Manet raised several alarms:
Encroachment: He claimed Thai troops are still positioned deep within Cambodian territory, using shipping containers and barbed wire to fortify areas that Thailand previously recognized as Cambodian.
Civilian Impact: These "advance-seize-hold" tactics have reportedly displaced thousands of civilians and dismantled hundreds of homes, specifically citing the seizure of commercial properties like the O'Smach Resort.
Sovereignty: Manet stated, "This is not an accusation but it’s a statement of the facts on the ground," emphasizing that Cambodia cannot accept violations of its territorial integrity.
The Trump Connection: The "Board of Peace"
The Prime Minister traveled to Washington this week to attend the inaugural meeting of Trump's Board of Peace.
Original Mandate: While the board was initially created to oversee a Gaza peace plan, Trump has signaled it will take on a broader role in global conflicts.
Cambodia's Hope: Hun Manet is pushing for this new body to act as a mediating force to de-escalate the border situation, which remains unstable despite the U.S.-brokered December accord.
Thailand's Response
Thailand has firmly rejected these claims:
Buffer Zones: The Thai military maintains that its positions are not an attempt at expansion, but rather 500-meter buffer zones designed to prevent potential attacks.
Political Timing: Thailand recently held elections on February 8, 2026, which Hun Manet cited as a reason for delays in resuming official border demarcation work.
What Happens Next?
The "technical mechanism" is now the focus. Cambodia is calling for the Joint Boundary Commission (JBC) to resume work immediately to verify the border lines based on existing treaties. Without this technical demarcation, both leaders acknowledge the risk of the conflict reigniting.https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vw5P-O0Tmb4
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