On January 6, Cambodia’s Ministry of Interior rejected reports that “Thai naval troops seized a Cambodian arms depot inside the Thmar Da casino building”. Its spokesperson clarified that the images and location circulated were not within the so-called “Thmar Da casino compound”. The ministry said the actual location was the Road 56 Checkpoint Land Border Police Post, under Land Border Police Battalion 825 of the Pursat Provincial Police Commissariat, entirely within the sovereignty of the Kingdom of Cambodia.
The denial and clarification followed recent reports by some Thai media outlets claiming that “Thai naval troops seized a Cambodian arms depot inside the Thmar Da casino building”, which Cambodia said were contrary to the facts.
The Interior Ministry spokesperson said the false reporting showed indisputably malicious and sordid intent, contrary to point 8 of the joint statement of the third special Cambodia–Thailand General Border Committee (GBC) meeting on December 27, 2025. That point states: “Both sides agree to refrain from disseminating false information or fake news to reduce tensions, minimise negative public sentiment and promote an environment conducive to peaceful dialogue.”
Cambodia further characterised the seizure of weapons from a police post within Cambodian sovereign territory as robbery, saying it further demonstrated the Thai government and military’s use of the law of the jungle to invade Cambodian territory. It said Thailand must bear responsibility under international law and could not evade it.
The Interior Ministry spokesperson urged Thailand to cease all hostilities immediately and implement the joint statement of the third special Cambodia–Thailand GBC meeting, seeking a peaceful solution in a spirit of greater trust, sincerity, goodwill, justice and mutual respect.
By: Nget Pisant
