Thai Troops Illegally Occupy 420 Metres inside O’Smach International Border Area Despite Agreed Boundary Marker

Thai Troops Illegally Occupy 420 Metres inside O’Smach International Border Area Despite Agreed Boundary Marker

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Oddar Meanchey: Despite an agreed international boundary marker recognised by both governments, Thai troops have advanced approximately 420 metres into Cambodian territory at the O’Smach International Border Checkpoint in Samraong city, according to Oddar Meanchey provincial authorities.

All government buildings at the checkpoint, including customs and excise, immigration and the border coordination office, were illegally occupied, while Thai national flags were raised on the Cambodian side of the agreed checkpoint, reflecting what authorities described as blatant aggression.

Speaking to reporters who inspected the situation on the ground on the afternoon of February 5, 2026, Met Measphakdey, Deputy Provincial Governor of Oddar Meanchey, said Thai military forces had installed concrete drainage boxes and laid barbed wire inside Cambodian territory near Border Marker No. 15 at the O’Smach International Border Checkpoint following the ceasefire that came into effect on December 27, 2025.

He said the encroachment extended more than 420 metres beyond the recognised boundary, describing the move as a blatant violation carried out without regard for international scrutiny.

The checkpoint is a key Cambodia–Thailand crossing between Oddar Meanchey province of Cambodia and Surin province of Thailand, established in 2002.

The international border crossing has been officially recognised by both the Cambodian and Thai governments and has facilitated cross-border travel and trade since 2002.

However, the checkpoint was closed in June 2025 following renewed border tensions between the two countries.

Provincial authorities said the incursion has threatened security and created fear among local residents and traders who previously operated at the O’Smach border market, which comprised more than 600 stalls and several public service buildings.

Many of the market facilities remain closed, while some were destroyed or severely damaged by artillery shelling during clashes between December 8 and December 27, 2025, when fighting erupted along the border.

Authorities reiterated that the area around Border Marker No. 15 had already been mutually recognised by both governments, making the reported advance a matter of serious concern.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation of Cambodia, on December 3, lodged a formal and strongest protest against Thailand regarding the unauthorised field visit by a group of foreign military attachés and law enforcement officials, led by the Chief of Intelligence of the Thai Army, to two hotels located in O’Smach district, Oddar Meanchey province, Cambodia, on February 2, 2026.

The field visit was conducted without the consent of the Royal Government of Cambodia, which constitutes a violation of Cambodia’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.

“The hotels and grounds where the visit took place are situated 397 metres from the international checkpoint of O’Smach, which stands next to Border Pillar No. 15. The area has been taken control of by force and occupied by Thailand’s armed forces during their offensive between December 7 and 27, 2025,” the statement said.

-Khmer Times-