Thousands of Cambodians join government rally as border dispute intensifies

18/6/2025 16:45

Thousands of Cambodians joined a state-organised march in its capital on Wednesday to support the government in an ongoing border dispute with Thailand triggered by the death of a Cambodian soldier last month.



The two neighbours share an 820-km (510-mile) land border, parts of which are undemarcated and include ancient temples that both sides have contested for decades.



The rally comes days after officials held talks in Phnom Penh in a bid to ease tensions. Though talks were inconclusive, both sides pledge to continue dialogue.



Marchers shouted slogans, waved the Cambodian flag and held portraits of the Prime Minister Hun Manet and his father, the influential former Prime Minister Hun Sen. Monks and students were seen at the rally, led by deputy premier Hun Many, the prime minister's brother.



"Cambodia's land! We won't take others' land, we keep our land!" some chanted.



On Wednesday, Cambodia's defence ministry said that Thailand had again violated its sovereignty.



"Thailand has increased activities in the area, including drone flights, trench digging, and troop deployments along the border," the statement said.



Thailand rejected the accusation.