Cambodia Protests Thai Buddha Statue Installation in Disputed Border Area

PHNOM PENH, Sept. 22, 2026 (KPT) — Cambodia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs has lodged a formal protest against Thailand after Thai forces and Buddhist monks installed a Buddha statue inside Cambodian territory, accusing its neighbour of continuing to violate sovereignty despite existing agreements. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs said the statue was erected on September 18 in the Phnom Beng area of Anlong Veng District, Oddar Meanchey Province, between Boundary Pillars No. 2 and No. 3. Officials said the installation followed land‑clearing activities and formed part of Thailand’s repeated use of religious structures to reinforce what Phnom Penh described as an unlawful occupation. Cambodia said the activity breached sovereignty and territorial integrity as defined by maps produced during the Franco‑Siamese treaties of 1904 and 1907, as well as the 2000 memorandum of understanding on land boundary demarcation. It also violated de‑escalation measures agreed at the December 2025 General Border Committee meeting, the ministry added. Cambodia stressed it does not recognise any boundary line or territorial claim asserted unilaterally by Thailand, and said the latest development would not affect Cambodia’s legal position regarding the international border. The government of Cambodia demanded Thailand halt such activities, refrain from further unilateral actions and work to de‑escalate tensions. Cambodia reaffirmed its commitment to resolving disputes peacefully, in line with international law and bilateral agreements, while insisting borders must not be changed by force.