Cambodia Protests Thai Border Violations in Multiple Areas

The Cambodian government has strongly protested ongoing violations of its sovereign territory by the Thai military. These actions, which have occurred in various areas since December 2025, are considered by Cambodia to be illegal occupations of its land. According to a press release from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on September 8, 2026, Thai armed forces destroyed two Cambodian homes in the Boeng Trakoun area of Trapeang Samrong village, Kok Rumchek commune, Thma Pouk district, Banteay Meanchey province, on August 31, 2026. Following the destruction, Thai forces reportedly used heavy machinery to level the ground, preparing for the construction of permanent military structures. Furthermore, between September 1 and 3, 2026, Thai armed forces deployed heavy machinery to construct military trenches in the vicinity of Ou Khla Khmum pagoda in Ou Smach commune, Samrong city, Oddar Meanchey province. Additionally, from September 4 to 7, 2026, Thai armed forces used a water well drilling machine in Chok Chey village, Ou Bei Choan commune, Ou Chrov district, Banteay Meanchey province. On September 7, Thai forces also destroyed Cambodian civilian structures in Prey Chan village, within the same commune and district. On September 7, 2026, Thai Air Force Lieutenant General Prapas Somchaidee led a group of ASEAN Observers to Thailand (AOT-TH) along with Thai and foreign journalists to inspect several buildings located southeast of the Royal Ou Smach Hotel and Resort in Ou Smach commune, Oddar Meanchey province. These buildings have been illegally occupied by Thai armed forces since December 2025. Cambodia stated that entry into these locations without permission is equivalent to an illegal act of exercising Thai administrative power over Cambodian territory. Cambodia categorically rejects the use of the pretext of cracking down on illegal activities to violate Cambodian territory. These actions, violating Cambodia's sovereignty and territorial integrity, contravene the Memorandum of Understanding between the Royal Government of Cambodia and the Government of the Kingdom of Thailand on Land Border Demarcation and Delimitation, signed on June 14, 2000, and the Joint Communiqué of the 3rd Special Meeting of the General Border Committee (GBC) dated December 27, 2025. Both parties agreed to entrust the Joint Border Committee (JBC) with the task of completing the measurement and demarcation of the land border as soon as possible, in accordance with existing agreements. Cambodia reiterates that it absolutely does not recognize any border lines or territorial claims made unilaterally by Thailand. The aforementioned illegal activities will not affect Cambodia's legal rights or its position concerning its international borders. The Cambodian government demands that Thailand cease all illegal activities and respect its commitment to de-escalate the situation, promote mutual confidence, and facilitate the peaceful resolution of disputes to restore peace, stability, and good neighborly relations along the Cambodia-Thailand border. Cambodia remains committed to resolving border issues with Thailand, as well as with all neighboring countries, peacefully, in accordance with international law and existing bilateral agreements, and adheres to its principled stance that border lines must not be changed by force.