Cambodia files new protest over Thai infringement near border
Photo: The Cambodian-Thai joint survey team installs temporary markers between border posts 42 and 47 in Banteay Meanchey province of Cambodia and Sa Kaeo province of Thailand. Ministry of Information
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Synopsis: Phnom Penh cites violations of agreed de-escalation measures while reaffirming the legal basis of its boundary.
Cambodia has lodged another formal protest with Thailand over alleged military activities in border areas it says remain under occupation, reaffirming the legal basis of its internationally recognised boundary under the 1907 treaty and 1904 convention, even as ASEAN observers continue to monitor the ceasefire.
The government reaffirmed the irrefutable documentary basis underpinning the internationally recognised boundary, namely the 1907 treaty, maps in keeping with the 1904 convention, and the ongoing survey and demarcation work between boundary pillars 52-59 and 42-47.
In a statement issued on Wednesday, the ministry said the actions were inconsistent with de-escalation measures outlined in Item I of the Joint Statement of the 3rd Special Meeting of the Cambodia–Thailand General Border Committee on December 27, 2025, and undermined Cambodia’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.
According to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation of Cambodia, the incidents occurred on January 19 and involved three locations along the border. These included the installation of a Buddha statue in the An Ses area of Preah Vihear province, where a statue of Lord Vishnu had earlier been razed by the Thai military; the placing of containers to block road access in the Boeung Trakoun area of Banteay Meanchey province; and the construction of bunkers using heavy machinery in the same place.
The ministry called on Thailand to fully implement all provisions of the Joint Statement of the 3rd Special GBC meeting, as well as other agreements and arrangements, to de-escalate tensions, build trust and confidence, and restore peace between the two countries.
The statement also reaffirmed Cambodia’s long-standing commitment to resolving border and boundary issues with Thailand through peaceful means, in accordance with international law and bilateral agreements, while upholding the principle that borders must not be altered by force.
“As a peace-loving nation, Cambodia reaffirms its firm commitment to resolving all issues through peaceful means, with full respect for the ceasefire and all provisions set forth in the Joint Declaration dated December 27, 2025, as well as other existing agreements,” Royal Government Spokesperson Pen Bona said in a press briefing yesterday.
The Ministry of National Defence said yesterday that the Cambodian Liaison Group along with the ASEAN Observer Team (AOT) undertook observation, verification and reporting activities along the Cambodia–Thailand border after the ceasefire took effect.
Ministry of National Defence spokeswoman Lieutenant General Maly Socheata said the mission took place at 8.25am in Sampov Loun and Phnom Proek districts of Battambang province.
She added that Cambodia has continued to provide full cooperation and support to the AOT, while stressing the importance of strengthening the team’s role and mandate to verify and ensure the full implementation of the ceasefire.
-Khmer Times-
