Cambodia Accuses Thailand of Border Encroachment, Warns of International Law Violations

BELGRADE, Sept 2, 2026 (KPT) — Cambodia has accused Thailand of continuing unilateral actions deep inside its territory despite existing agreements and binding judgments of the International Court of Justice (ICJ), warning that such aggression “can no longer be ignored.” Deputy Prime Minister Sok Chenda Sophea delivered the message Tuesday at a high-level commemorative meeting marking the 65th anniversary of the first Non-Aligned Movement (NAM) conference in Belgrade. He said Thai forces had installed barbed wire, built permanent infrastructure and displaced Cambodian civilians, actions designed to alter the boundary by force. “Cambodia faces a grave challenge to its territorial integrity,” he told delegates. “Such actions amount to faits accomplis in clear violation of international law and NAM’s founding principles.” While a ceasefire in December halted armed clashes, the deputy prime minister said the situation remained fragile, particularly given the forced eviction of civilians who had lived in affected areas for generations. He stressed Cambodia’s commitment to dialogue and peaceful settlement under bilateral agreements, the UN Charter and ASEAN Charter. Sok Chenda Sophea urged Thailand to cease all activities in Cambodian territory, fully implement existing agreements and resume bilateral mechanisms in good faith. He called for respect for international law, ICJ judgments and the dignity of displaced civilians.He said Cambodia “categorically rejects” aggression against its sovereignty and would not accept unilateral measures that undermine peace or erode trust. He also noted Cambodia’s embrace of compulsory conciliation under the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea to resolve maritime differences peacefully. “Borders must never be altered by force,” he said. “Disputes must be resolved through dialogue, negotiation and legal mechanisms.” Cambodia has been part of NAM since its founding, with Prince Norodom Sihanouk attending the 1961 Belgrade conference after joining the Bandung meeting in 1955. Photo: Ministry of defence Republic of Serbia