Cambodia Accuses Thailand of Sovereignty Violation Over O'Smach Media Tours

PHNOM PENH, July 17, 2026 (KPT) – Cambodia has accused Thailand of undermining its sovereignty after the Thai military escorted foreign journalists to alleged scam compounds in the disputed O’Smach border area without Phnom Penh’s consent. Senior Minister Chhay Sinarith, head of the Commission for Combating Online Scams (CCOS), stated that efforts to tackle transnational crime must respect international law and the sovereign equality of states. His remarks followed Thai military-guided visits for reporters from Reuters, the Associated Press, and Australia’s ABC News to the O’Smach Resort and Royal Hill compounds, which have been under Thai control since clashes in December 2025. “This investigative report raises concerns about scam centres operating in Cambodia. However, it also gives rise to a broader and more important question: Are the principles of state sovereignty being applied equally and consistently to all countries?” Sinarith said. He argued that organized crime is a transnational problem affecting many nations, including Thailand, and warned against unilateral actions or any country assuming the role of “the world’s policeman.” During the tours, journalists were shown prison-style dormitories, training manuals, and mock government offices, including what Thai officials described as a fake Singapore police station used by cybercrime syndicates. Thai authorities said the compounds had housed thousands of scam workers and were linked to drone operations during last year’s border conflict. Cambodia has lodged a formal protest, insisting O’Smach is internationally recognised as Cambodian territory. The Information Ministry said the entry of foreign journalists and military attachés without permission violated Cambodia’s sovereignty, international law, and the UN Charter. Officials accused Thailand of using anti-scam operations to justify its military presence and shape international perceptions of the dispute.