Cambodia Protests Thai Installations and Construction at Three Border Locations, Urges Thailand to Fully Implement Relevant Agreements

Cambodia Protests Thai Installations and Construction at Three Border Locations, Urges Thailand to Fully Implement Relevant Agreements

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Cambodia has lodged a formal protest with Thailand over continued installation and construction activities carried out by Thai armed forces at three locations along the border, citing concerns over sovereignty and territorial integrity.

In a diplomatic note issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation of Cambodia on January 20, 2026, Cambodia said the activities, which took place on January 19, were inconsistent with de-escalation measures outlined in the Joint Statement of the Third Special Meeting of the General Border Committee (GBC) signed on December 27, 2025.

According to the note, the activities included the installation of a Buddha statue on a pedestal in the An Ses area of Preah Vihear province, where a statue of Lord Vishnu had previously stood before being destroyed by Thai military personnel. The location was identified at coordinates 48P VA 96836–89939 (Indian 1960).

The note also cited the installation of two additional containers to block road access north of Samaki Primary School in the Boeung Trakoun area of Samaki village, Thmar Pouk district, Banteay Meanchey province, at coordinates 48P TA 69690 48792 (WGS 1984).

In addition, Cambodia raised concerns over the construction of bunkers using heavy machinery in the Boeung Trakoun area, between coordinates 48P TA 69179–47516 and 48P TA 69212–46913 (WGS 1984).

The Cambodian government said these actions raised serious concerns regarding Cambodia’s sovereignty and territorial integrity and were inconsistent with commitments to de-escalate tensions along the border.

In the note, Cambodia called on Thailand to fully and in good faith implement the provisions of the Joint Statement of the Third Special GBC Meeting of December 27, 2025, as well as other relevant agreements and arrangements aimed at de-escalating the situation, building trust and restoring peace along the border.

Cambodia also reaffirmed its commitment to resolving border and boundary issues with Thailand through peaceful means, in accordance with international law and existing bilateral agreements, while maintaining the principle that borders must not be altered by force.

-Khmer Times-