Cambodia Protests Thailand’s ‘Unlawful’ Activities in Preah Vihear
Cambodia Protests Thailand’s ‘Unlawful’ Activities in Preah Vihear
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Cambodia has lodged a formal protest against Thailand over what it described as “unlawful and repeated activities” by Thai armed forces in disputed areas of Preah Vihear province.
In a statement today, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation said the activities occurred in “illegally occupied areas in Sra Em Commune, Choam Ksan District.”
According to the statement, Thai troops carried out land-clearing operations near the Preah Vihear Temple area, north of Keo Sikha Kiri Svara Pagoda, while also laying “approximately 100 metres of barbed wire” and deploying armoured personnel vehicles in the Bosbov-Choam Tae area.
“These actions are neither defensive in nature nor consistent with the 27 December 2025 Joint Statement of the 3rd Special General Border Committee (GBC),” the ministry said.
The Royal Government of Cambodia “categorically rejects any attempt to mischaracterize the situation creating a fait accompli on the ground,” and “strongly protests against these activities which violate Cambodia’s sovereignty and territorial integrity” under the 1904 Franco-Siamese Convention and the 1907 Treaty.
The statement added that the actions also contravene de-escalation measures outlined in the GBC Joint Statement and existing agreements between the two countries.
Cambodia reaffirmed that it “does not recognize any boundary line or territorial claim unilaterally asserted by Thailand,” stressing that the recent activities will not prejudice its legal rights regarding the international border.
The Royal Government of Cambodia also called on Thailand to “immediately cease all of such unlawful activities, refrain from further unilateral actions, and work to de-escalate tensions, foster mutual trust, and preserve peace and good neighborliness along the border.”
While maintaining that borderlines must not be changed by force, Cambodia reiterated its commitment to resolving all boundary disputes with Thailand through peaceful means in line with international law and bilateral agreements.
-Khmer Times-
