Cambodia Protests Thai Border Activity, Citing Sovereignty Violation

PHNOM PENH, Sept 18, 2026 (KPT) – Cambodia has lodged a formal protest accusing Thailand of violating its sovereignty and territorial integrity through construction activity along their shared border, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said. In a statement issued Sept 17, the ministry alleged Thai armed forces used heavy machinery on Sept 15 to level ground and build an earthen trench near Boundary Pillar No. 9 in Ta Tum, Anlong Veng district, Oddar Meanchey province. Phnom Penh said the activity took place in territory defined by boundary maps under the 1904 and 1907 Franco‑Siamese agreements. The ministry said the construction also breached a 2000 memorandum of understanding on surveying and demarcating the land boundary, as well as commitments made at the General Border Committee meeting in December 2025, where both sides agreed to resume survey and demarcation work through the Joint Boundary Commission. Cambodia stressed it did not recognise any boundary line or territorial claim asserted unilaterally by Thailand and said the reported activity would not affect its legal position regarding the international border. The government urged Thailand to halt such actions and honour commitments to reduce tensions and resolve disputes peacefully. It reaffirmed Cambodia’s commitment to addressing boundary issues through peaceful means, international law and existing bilateral agreements.