Cambodia Protests Thai Entry of Foreign Journalists into O Smach Border Area

PHNOM PENH, June 30, 2026 (KPT) – Cambodia’s Ministry of Information has formally protested to Thailand after foreign journalists were escorted into the O Smach border zone, which Phnom Penh insists lies within Cambodian territory. The ministry denounced the incident as a violation of Cambodia’s sovereignty and territorial integrity. Tep Asnarith, spokesperson for the Ministry of Information, stated on Tuesday that reporters, including those from ABC Media, were brought into the area by Thai officials without prior notification or authorization from Cambodian local authorities. He stressed that O Smach is internationally recognized as part of Cambodia and argued that any unauthorized entry by foreign nationals, particularly when accompanied by military personnel, contravenes international law and the UN Charter. Cambodia warned that reporting based on such visits could misrepresent conditions on the ground and rejected what it called “politically motivated narratives” stemming from the incident. The country noted that similar cases have occurred in the past, involving journalists and military attachés entering sensitive border areas without permission. It said concerns had already been raised through diplomatic channels, emphasizing that both countries have established mechanisms to manage border issues. Unilateral actions, the statement cautioned, risk undermining trust and established diplomatic protocols. Cambodia urged Thai authorities to respect its territorial sovereignty while reaffirming its commitment to peaceful relations and border defense. It also called on the international community to rely on verified information when assessing developments in the contested area.