Cambodia Urges Thailand to Cease Excuses for Border Demarcation Delays

The Cambodian government has strongly urged Thailand to cease making excuses for delays in the land border demarcation process, countering claims by the Thai Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister that Cambodia had "closed the door" to negotiations. Cambodia asserted that Thailand unilaterally withdrew from the agreed bilateral mechanism and called for the issue to be resolved in good faith according to the 2000 Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) and the Joint Declaration of December 27, 2025. Cambodia also officially protested repeated incursions by Thai armed forces into its territory. Between July 13-15, 2026, Thai forces allegedly cleared land for a new road between border pillars No. 8 and 9 in the Ta Thom area, Oudor Meanchey province, which encroached deep into Cambodian land. Further incursions and the laying of minefields were reported between border pillars No. 19 and 20 in the Chup Deum Khnor area of Samrong city, Oudor Meanchey province, from July 15-19, 2026. Phnom Penh stated these actions violated international maps, the 2000 MOU, and the 2025 joint declaration. Furthermore, Cambodia highlighted the humanitarian and human rights situation of over 20,000 Cambodian civilians displaced along the Thai border. At the ASEAN Foreign Ministers' meeting in Manila on July 20, 2026, Cambodia's Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister informed the assembly about the plight of these individuals, including children unable to attend school and vulnerable groups lacking adequate care. Cambodia appealed to ASEAN colleagues to support the call for their safe and dignified return home. Regarding Preah Vihear Temple, at the 48th session of the World Heritage Committee in Busan, Republic of Korea, on July 22, 2026, Cambodia reported severe damage to the temple structures from attacks in July 2025. The Cambodian delegation also drew attention to the continued presence of Thai military forces around the temple and unilateral actions creating a 'fait accompli' on the ground, which risks further damage to cultural heritage within Cambodian sovereignty. Cambodia urged Thailand to respect international law and pursue peaceful border dispute resolution through the Joint Border Committee (JBC) mechanism as per the 2025 joint declaration. Information Source: CEN Cambodia