Cambodia Reaffirms An Ses Area Sovereignty Using Historical Records

The Secretariat of Border Affairs has reaffirmed that the An Ses area in Preah Vihear province’s Choam Khsant district lies deep inside Cambodian territory, citing historical boundary documents and maps from the early 20th century, as well as a Thai-drawn map. Sreu Bora, technical director of border affairs, stated that the location is supported by the 1:200,000-scale map and boundary-marking records of the Franco-Siamese Boundary Commission of 1908 and 1919. He added that Thailand’s unilateral L7017 map, drawn at a scale of 1:50,000, also places An Ses within Cambodia. Bora noted that both governments had previously agreed to upgrade the traditional An Ses border crossing into an international checkpoint before tensions escalated last year. He pointed to the site of a Vishnu statue, saying it was located about 500 metres inside Cambodian territory even when measured against Thailand’s claimed boundary line. He alleged Thai military personnel, accompanied by monks, entered the area and carried out construction activities including installing barbed wire, placing containers, and building a Buddha statue. Phnom Penh lodged a formal protest in January, stating the activities violated de-escalation measures agreed under the Joint Statement of the Third Special Meeting of the Cambodia–Thailand General Border Committee signed on December 27, 2025. The note said one activity involved installing a Buddha statue at the site where a Vishnu statue had previously stood before being destroyed by Thai forces. Government spokesman Pen Bona said Cambodia has sent multiple requests for Thailand to resume border talks, while reaffirming Phnom Penh does not recognize any boundary changes made through force. Officials stressed disputes should be resolved peacefully through bilateral mechanisms, international law, and existing agreements.