Cambodia Protests Alleged Thai Border Incursions, Cites Sovereignty Violations

PHNOM PENH, July 23, 2026 (KPT) – Cambodia has lodged a formal protest accusing Thailand of violating its sovereignty through road construction and other activities in disputed border areas, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said in a statement. The ministry reported that Thai troops carried out road construction between Boundary Pillars 8 and 9 in Ta Tum, Anlong Veng district, Oddar Meanchey province from July 13 to 15. Further work, including the installation of barbed wire, was alleged between Boundary Pillars 19 and 20 in Chup Doeum Khnol, Samraong City, from July 15 to 19. The ministry said the activities encroached on Cambodian territory and breached agreements including the 1904 Franco‑Siamese Convention, the 1907 Treaty and the 2000 Memorandum of Understanding on border demarcation. It also cited commitments made at the third Special Meeting of the General Border Committee in December 2025, where both sides agreed to resume survey and demarcation work through the Joint Boundary Commission. The government stressed it did not recognise any boundary line unilaterally asserted by Thailand and maintained that the reported activities would not affect Cambodia’s legal position. The ministry urged Thailand to halt construction and other activities in areas it said had been unlawfully occupied since last year, arguing such steps would reduce tensions, build trust and support peaceful resolution of disputes. Cambodia reaffirmed its commitment to resolving boundary issues through peaceful means, in line with international law and existing bilateral agreements.