Cambodia Protests Thai Military Helicopter Incursion into Airspace

The Royal Government of Cambodia has lodged a strong formal protest against the unauthorised entry of a Thai military helicopter into Cambodian airspace, describing the incident as a clear violation of Cambodia’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, international law and existing bilateral commitments between the two countries. According to a press release issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation on Sept. 4, a Thai military helicopter on Sept. 3, 2026 intruded approximately 400 metres into Cambodian airspace near the Doung International Border Gate in Kamrieng district, Battambang province. The Royal Government of Cambodia said the incident violated Article 1 of the Convention on International Civil Aviation, signed in Chicago on Dec. 7, 1944, which recognises that each state has complete and exclusive sovereignty over the airspace above its territory. It also cited Article 3(c) of the same Convention, which prohibits state aircraft from flying over the territory of another state without authorisation. In addition, Cambodia said the incident violated Point 6 of the de-escalation measures stipulated in the Joint Statement of the 3rd Special Meeting of the General Border Committee (GBC), signed on Dec. 27, 2025. The Royal Government of Cambodia called on Thailand to immediately cease such actions and honour its commitments to de-escalate the situation, build mutual trust and facilitate the peaceful settlement of disputes. These efforts, it said, are aimed at restoring peace and stability and promoting good-neighbourly relations along the Cambodia-Thailand border. The Royal Government of Cambodia reaffirmed its unwavering commitment to resolving border issues peacefully and maintaining friendly relations between the two neighbouring countries. By C. Nika