Cambodia Protests Thai Violations of Sovereignty and Territorial Integrity

The Cambodian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation has issued a strong official protest against Thailand's persistent violations of Cambodia's sovereignty and territorial integrity. This protest addresses the alleged illegal occupation of several Cambodian areas by Thai armed forces and their ongoing construction of military facilities since December 2025. According to reports, on August 31, 2026, Thai armed forces demolished two Cambodian civilian houses in the Boeng Trachoun area, Trapeang Samrong village, Kok Rumchiet commune, Thma Puok district, Banteay Meanchey province. Following the demolition, Thai forces reportedly used heavy machinery to level the ground, preparing for the construction of permanent military structures. Furthermore, from September 1 to 3, 2026, Thai armed forces deployed heavy machinery to construct military trenches in the vicinity of O'Khlum pagoda, O'Smach commune, Samrong city, Oddar Meanchey province. On September 7, Thai armed forces also destroyed Cambodian civilian structures in Prey Chan village, within the same commune and district. On September 7, 2026, Thai Air Force General Prapas Somchaidee led a delegation, including ASEAN observers in Thailand (AOT-TH) and both Thai and foreign journalists, to inspect several buildings located southeast of the Royal O'Smach Hotel and Resort in O'Smach commune, Oddar Meanchey province. These buildings have been illegally occupied by Thai armed forces since December 2025. Cambodia asserts that unauthorized entry into these locations constitutes an illegal act of exercising Thai administrative power over Cambodian territory. The Cambodian government categorically rejects any pretext of combating crime to justify territorial violations. These actions, which violate Cambodia's sovereignty and territorial integrity, are in breach of the Memorandum of Understanding between the Royal Government of Cambodia and the Royal Government of Thailand on Land Border Demarcation and Marker Planting, signed on June 14, 2000, and the Joint Declaration of the 3rd Special Meeting of the General Border Committee (GBC) dated December 27, 2025. The latter agreement stipulated that the Joint Border Commission (JBC) would expedite the work of surveying and planting border markers in accordance with existing bilateral agreements. Cambodia reiterates its absolute refusal to recognize any border lines or unilateral territorial claims made by Thailand. The country emphasizes that these illegal activities will not affect Cambodia's legal rights or its position regarding its international borders. The Cambodian government demands that Thailand cease all illegal activities and adhere to its commitments to de-escalate the situation, promote mutual trust, and facilitate the peaceful resolution of conflicts, thereby restoring 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. The nation upholds its principled stance that border lines should not be altered by force. Source: CEN Cambodia