Speaking at a virtual press briefing on Feb 23 after visits to Thailand, Cambodia and Vietnam, Scott Schelble, deputy assistant director of the FBI’s International Operations Division, described scam compounds as large-scale, highly organized criminal enterprises targeting victims worldwide, including Americans.

“These compounds can go anywhere next,” Schelble said, noting that operators relocate and reinvest profits to establish new facilities when crackdowns occur. He rejected country-specific framing, saying: “This is not a Cambodian problem. This is not a Thai problem or a Vietnamese problem. This is regional, and it will require a coordinated approach if we are going to properly address it.”

According to the FBI, transnational fraud networks in Southeast Asia have scaled up to an industrial level, generating billions of dollars in illicit gains. In 2025 alone, its Internet Crime Complaint Center logged more than 80,000 complaints linked to such scams, with reported losses exceeding $2.9 billion.

Schelble said the networks exploit borders, legal differences, technology platforms and, in some cases, human trafficking to sustain operations. He called for stronger cross-border coordination and intelligence sharing among Southeast Asian law enforcement agencies.

The remarks underscore growing pressure for regional cooperation as governments intensify efforts to dismantle scam compounds and disrupt transnational crime networks.

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According to the ministry’s report covering 21–22 February, an additional 1,458 displaced persons have gone back, bringing the total to about 580,000—roughly 90 percent of the more than 640,000 originally displaced since the ceasefire agreement signed on 27 December 2025.

Some 66,822 people remain displaced, including more than 35,000 women and 24,000 children. Several public facilities also remain closed: eight schools and five health centres in Oddar Meanchey, five schools and one health centre in Banteay Meanchey, and 29 schools and 14 health centres in Preah Vihear. The ministry reported no new damage to property beyond previously documented cases.

The Interior Ministry voiced full support for the government’s protest against Thailand’s actions and reaffirmed backing for Prime Minister Hun Manet, who has stressed Cambodia’s commitment to resolving disputes peacefully.

Cambodia reiterated that “using war to end war is neither practical nor sustainable,” urging Bangkok to act in good faith, implement the Kuala Lumpur Peace Accord, allow the Joint Boundary Commission to carry out its mandate, and refrain from political pretexts that could delay the process further.

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The report, published Friday by The New York Editorial, said tensions began with a localized incident along the frontier but escalated after Thailand’s military response. It described Bangkok’s decision to launch F-16 airstrikes following a landmine blast that injured one soldier as “wildly disproportionate.”

Investigators further alleged the use of cluster munitions, banned under international conventions, which caused civilian casualties, including the death of a 10-year-old child in Preah Vihear province. The report also documented claims of psychological operations targeting border villages, such as the broadcasting of disturbing sounds at night, and suggested domestic political pressures in Bangkok may have influenced the escalation.

While acknowledging that political and security dynamics on both sides contributed to rising tensions, the investigation concluded Thailand’s actions breached international law.

Cambodia’s Interior Ministry said about 580,000 displaced persons – 89 percent of those affected – have returned home as of February 19, though more than 70,000 remain unable to do so.

Prime Minister Hun Manet has accused Thailand of occupying Cambodian territory in violation of a ceasefire, alleging Thai forces installed shipping containers and barbed wire beyond areas claimed under Bangkok’s unilateral border map.

Speaking in Washington during interviews with Reuters and Fox News, Manet said Cambodia could not accept violations of its sovereignty, calling the situation “a statement of facts on the ground.”

He reiterated Cambodia’s commitment to resolving border issues peacefully through mechanisms such as the Joint Boundary Commission, and to upholding international law against any use of force.

Officials said Cambodia views its international engagement as part of a broader diplomatic effort to strengthen multilateral support for peace and pursue a fair settlement along the border.

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Major General Winthai Suvaree responded that Cambodia is fully aware that the disputed area belongs to Thailand. In the past, Thailand provided shelter to Cambodian people who fled from civil war.

However, after the war ended, many Cambodian civilians and soldiers did not return to their own country but instead expanded their presence within Thailand’s sovereign territory. Thailand lodged numerous protests through official mechanisms, but Cambodia did not respond and did not resolve the issue by sending its citizens back to Cambodian territory.

Therefore, he said, these people should not be described as displaced persons as the Prime Minister of Cambodia claims, but rather a group that unlawfully and repeatedly encroached on Thailand’s sovereignty, causing Thai citizens to lose their rightful access to their land.

Through such statements, the general public may realize that the two past rounds of armed conflict—the first from July 24–28, 2025, and the second from December 7–27, 2025—were deliberate plans by the Thai army to seize and occupy territory, since Thailand considers these lands its own to be reclaimed.

The claim by the spokesperson of the Royal Thai Army has put to rest a significant lingering question from the past: who fired first? The Thai side often accuses Cambodia of initiating attacks, while Cambodia insists it is the victim of Thai preemptive strikes.

However, it is now clear that the party with an actual plan to seize the territory was Thailand, because it considers the land belongs to Thailand  and intends to reclaim it, according to the statement of the spokesperson of the Royal Thai Army.

This is indeed very reasonable, because during the first armed attack, Thailand could not deliberately seize those positions when the first ceasefire came into effect at midnight on July 28, 2025.

Because its objective was not yet achieved, Thailand violated the ceasefire and launched a second attack on December 7, which lasted until the second ceasefire came into effect around 12:00 noon on December 27, 2025.

After successfully seizing the territory as intended, Thailand destroyed all the homes of Cambodian civilians and looted all their properties, leaving nothing behind, and also went to the length of completely destroying other sacred sites in the areas. The Thai army established a fait accompli in order to assert its permanent control over  this territory. Consequently, any doubts about who fired first are no longer an issue.

This raises the question: to whom does the territory actually belong? Is it Cambodia’s or Thailand’s? This issue is likewise straightforward, because if Thailand claims that the territory belongs to itself, why didn’t it use the JBC technical mechanism to conduct the survey as requested by Cambodia, and instead resort to military force to seize the territory?

A survey by a team of experts under the JBC mechanism to determine whether the land belongs to Cambodia or Thailand is the only verifiable method, as Prime Minister Hun Manet has emphasized. Hopefully, Thailand had the audacity to carry out this action to bolster its image as not having illegally seized Cambodian territory, a position it has long asserted.

By Vong Makara, Professor and Political Analyst

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Speaking at a press briefing, Bona said the premier’s current mission to the United States, followed by visits to Europe, reflects an active diplomatic strategy to safeguard Cambodia’s territorial integrity and protect its citizens.

In Washington, Samdech Thipadei Hun Manet is attending the inaugural meeting of the “Board of Peace” at the invitation of U.S. President Donald Trump, alongside bilateral talks with American officials and international leaders. He will later travel to Geneva and Brussels for high-level meetings with European counterparts.

In a Reuters interview on February 17, Samdech Thipadei reaffirmed Cambodia’s commitment to resolving the border issue through peaceful mechanisms, particularly the resumption of work by the Joint Boundary Commission (JBC). He stressed Cambodia’s consistent position of upholding international law and rejecting any violation of sovereignty by force.

Bona said the government views international engagement not as escalation but as a responsible diplomatic effort to draw attention to the issue, strengthen multilateral support for peace, and reinforce Cambodia’s commitment to a fair settlement.

Officials reiterated that protecting territorial integrity and ensuring the safe return of affected citizens remain top priorities, with diplomacy the preferred path toward lasting stability along the border.

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In its latest update covering February 17–18, the ministry reported that 3,278 people had gone back, bringing the total reintegrated to about 580,000 out of more than 640,000 initially displaced. Some 71,935 remain uprooted, including nearly 38,000 women and 25,000 children.

Authorities said that despite a ceasefire agreed on December 27 at the third special meeting of the General Border Committee, essential services in several provinces remain suspended. Dozens of schools and hospitals in Oddar Meanchey, Banteay Meanchey and Preah Vihear are still closed, leaving communities struggling to resume normal life.

Phnom Penh reiterated its protest over what it described as continued “dishonest activities” by Thai armed forces, including alleged construction works and deployment of materials in areas Cambodia claims as sovereign territory.

Prime Minister Hun Manet, speaking during a visit to the United States, stressed that the Cambodia–Thailand border is an internationally recognized boundary between two sovereign states. He reaffirmed Cambodia’s commitment to safeguarding territorial integrity in line with international law.

The government emphasized that disputes must be resolved peacefully through the Joint Boundary Commission (JBC), urging Thailand to demonstrate goodwill by allowing the body to resume its duties without delay.

Officials said Cambodia remains committed to dialogue and cooperation, but warned it will continue to defend its sovereignty against any encroachment.

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The victory of the Bhumjaithai Party, led by Anutin Charnvirakul, may signal a harder stance on the Cambodia–Thailand frontier. Economic and geopolitical researcher Dr. Chey Tech argued that nationalist campaign rhetoric – including proposals for a border wall and prolonged closures – could now shape official policy.

Asked whether the new Thai government might open space for a diplomatic reset, Dr. Tech expressed skepticism. He said the political incentive behind the election victory was closely tied to the border issue, and warned that infrastructure construction in disputed areas could sharply escalate tensions.

Strategic Response for Cambodia

Dr. Tech suggested Cambodia should strengthen engagement through ASEAN mechanisms and work closely with international observers to ensure transparency and documentation of developments along the frontier. He emphasized compiling clear evidence and submitting concerns to international bodies to build diplomatic and legal support. Renewed legal engagement with the International Court of Justice could also be considered, particularly regarding areas previously adjudicated, including zones surrounding Preah Vihear temple.

Beyond diplomacy, he urged Cambodia to reinforce economic resilience by promoting local production and reducing dependency on external supply chains. Expanding outreach to global partners and strengthening communication with international media would be critical to presenting Cambodia’s position clearly to the global community.

Long‑Term Reality

Dr. Tech concluded that the border issue is unlikely to fade. “This is not only about the current government,” he said. “The border dispute can be used again in future elections. Cambodia must be ready for a long‑term situation.”

Despite concerns, analysts stressed that Cambodia continues to prioritize peace and adherence to international law, while preparing strategically for potential prolonged tensions.

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According to the ministry’s latest update covering February 16–17, an additional 1,358 people have gone back to their homes. In total, about 570,000 of the more than 640,000 displaced — equivalent to over 88 percent — have reintegrated into their communities.

However, 74,139 people, including 39,171 women and 25,372 children, remain unable to return.

While a ceasefire that took effect on December 27 has prevented renewed armed clashes, the ministry said certain activities along the border continue to raise concerns. Cambodian authorities reaffirmed their commitment to safeguarding sovereignty and territorial integrity in line with international law and bilateral agreements.

The humanitarian impact remains visible in several provinces. In Oddar Meanchey, Banteay Meanchey and Preah Vihear, dozens of schools and health facilities remain closed, disrupting access to education and healthcare.

The ministry urged citizens to remain united and place confidence in the Royal Government’s efforts to resolve border issues peacefully, stressing that Cambodia seeks long-term stability under international legal principles while prioritizing the safety and well-being of its people.

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