Cambodia protests Thai activities in disputed border areas
The O’Smach International Border Checkpoint in Oddar Meanchey province is sealed off with barbed wire by Thai soldiers. Oddar Meanchey provincial administration
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Synopsis: Phnom Penh calls on Thailand to cease unlawful actions and refrain from unilateral actions.
The government has lodged a formal protest against Thailand over what it described as “unlawful and repeated activities” by Thai armed forces in disputed border areas, while also reporting impacts on civilians following recent tensions.
A Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation statement yesterday said the activities took place in “illegally occupied areas in Sra Em commune, Choam Ksan district” of Preah Vihear province.
Thai troops on Saturday carried out land-clearing operations near the Preah Vihear Temple, 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 Te 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 mischaracterise 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 agreed de-escalation measures and bilateral agreements.
Reaffirming its stance, Cambodia said it “does not recognise any boundary line or territorial claim unilaterally asserted by Thailand,” stressing that the recent developments will not affect its legal rights over the international border.
The government 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 neighbourliness along the border.”
While maintaining that borderlines must not be altered by force, Cambodia reiterated its commitment to resolving all disputes with Thailand through peaceful means and in keeping with international law and bilateral agreements.
Meanwhile, the Ministry of National Defence reported that the Thai military deployed two armoured vehicles and about 70 personnel to the O’Smach International Border Crossing in Oddar Meanchey province on April 2.
According to Lieutenant General Maly Socheata, the deployment occurred at around 6.20am at the O’Smach International Border Checkpoint in Samraong City, an area Cambodia says has been partly under illegal occupation since December 2025.
“These claims are entirely untrue and baseless,” she said, rejecting allegations made by the Royal Thai Army that Cambodian forces had acted provocatively, and stressing that Cambodian troops “consistently perform their duties in strict compliance with military discipline, leadership directives, and professional principles.”
She added that Cambodian forces continue to exercise restraint while safeguarding sovereignty and maintaining stability along the border.
The ministry said Thai forces also reinforced barbed wire and carried out activities without prior notification, prompting Cambodia’s Military Region 4 Liaison Team to call for an immediate halt and urge respect for agreements.
Cambodia also called on Thailand to act with “consistency, goodwill, and honesty” to ensure a return to normalcy and long-term stability along the border.
Meanwhile, the Ministry of Interior reported that more than 610,000 displaced persons have returned to their homes since the ceasfire, leaving more than 34,000 at the camps.
The ministry added that essential public services in several border provinces remain disrupted, with schools and health facilities closed in Oddar Meanchey, Banteay Meanchey and Preah Vihear.
No new damage to infrastructure has been recorded since December 7, 2025 beyond the cases already documented.
Cambodia has pledged its support for diplomatic and legal measures to address the situation, underscoring its commitment to peaceful resolution in line with international law.
-Khmer Times-
