Cambodia Strongly Protests Thai Border Incursions, Defends Sovereignty

The Cambodian government has strongly protested against incursions by the Thai military into its territory and the obstruction of the return of approximately 20,000 Cambodian refugees. At a press briefing on border situations and recent events held on August 31, the government spokesperson emphasized that the protection of sovereignty, territorial integrity, and citizens is the government's top priority. Prime Minister Hun Manet pointed out that Thai forces have crossed the border and are unilaterally occupying several areas within Cambodian territory. He expressed concern over actions by the Thai military to create a "fait accompli," such as developing infrastructure and granting land ownership to Thai citizens. He also stated that the Thai military is occupying Cambodian territory under the pretext of cross-border crimes like online scams, denouncing this as a "disguised war." During his keynote address at the 2nd Inter-Parliamentary Summit (ISC-2) held in Phnom Penh last week, the Prime Minister raised this issue. He stressed that the Cambodia-Thailand border has been clearly defined for over a century on a 1:200,000 scale map, based on the 1904 agreement and the 1907 treaty. He further noted that these borderlines have been confirmed by the International Court of Justice in its rulings. Therefore, he stated, future solutions must be firmly based on these legal documents and the mechanisms agreed upon by both countries. The Cambodian Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation called for the sincere, effective, and full implementation of the joint statement dated December 27, 2025. He particularly emphasized the importance of promptly resuming the survey and demarcation work of the Cambodia-Thailand Joint Boundary Commission, based on existing agreements between the two countries. The government intends to continue its official and strong protests against Thailand's violations of Cambodia's sovereignty and territorial integrity. Cambodia unequivocally rejects any unilateral territorial claims by Thailand and any alteration of borderlines by force. Prime Minister Hun Manet highlighted that this border dispute is not merely a bilateral issue but a global concern regarding respect for international law, the UN Charter, and the principles of non-aggression and the ASEAN Charter. He expressed gratitude to the international community and ASEAN member states for their support of peaceful conflict resolution between Cambodia and Thailand, and expressed strong hopes for continued support. Source: CEN Cambodia