Cambodia lodges formal protest against Thai border incursions
Cambodia lodges formal protest against Thai border incursions
#National
Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Minister Prak Sokhonn issued a formal protest late yesterday evening regarding a series of unlawful actions by Thai forces in several sensitive border regions.
The Royal Government of Cambodia maintains that these activities, which took place between March 31 and April 2, represent a direct violation of existing bilateral agreements and an attempt to pre-empt formal demarcation efforts.
The reported incidents occurred mainly in Chouk Chey village, at the O’Smach International Border Gate in Banteay Meanchey province, and within the Anlong Veng district of Oddar Meanchey province.
According to the ministry, Thai Burapha forces led Thai citizens in land-ownership verification along the boundary between pillars 45 and 47.
Cambodian officials called this a strategic attempt to create a “fait accompli” and influence the outcome of work by the Joint Boundary Commissions.
Further escalation was reported on April 2. About 70 Thai military personnel, supported by two armoured vehicles, were deployed at the O’Smach International Border Gate.
During this deployment, the personnel allegedly installed additional barbed-wire fencing. Cambodia views this as a provocative shift from established norms. On the same day, Thai forces were observed using heavy machinery to clear land near Boundary Pillar No 2 in Anlong Veng district. This further complicates the area’s territorial status.
Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Minister Prak Sokhonn stated that these actions are not defensive.
The ministry said the manoeuvres directly violate the Joint Statement of the 3rd Special General Border Committee Meeting on December 27, 2025.
These activities breach agreed de-escalation measures and betray bilateral commitments to maintain peace and stability along the shared frontier.
The government has reaffirmed its staunch position that it does not recognise any unilaterally asserted boundary lines or territorial claims made by neighbouring forces.
The government reiterated its unwavering commitment to resolving all border disputes with Thailand through peaceful diplomatic channels and in accordance with international law. However, officials maintained that national borders must remain inviolable and cannot be altered by force or by unilateral physical changes on the ground.
By bringing these grievances to the international stage, Cambodia aims to protect the Joint Boundary Commissions. The goal is to ensure these groups continue technical work without interference from military “fait accompli” tactics. The ministry noted that such actions undermine the “good neighbourliness” policy both Phnom Penh and Bangkok have promoted in recent years. As tensions remain high in the affected districts, Cambodia calls for a halt to all clearing activities. Officials also demand the withdrawal of military equipment from contested zones to restore the status quo.
The Royal Government of Cambodia concluded its statement by urging the Thai authorities to strictly adhere to the memorandum of understanding. It emphasised that a stable border is vital to the economic prosperity of local communities that depend on cross-border trade and cooperation. -AKP-
