Regarding Thailand’s Claims and Cambodia’s Stance on Thailand’s Ongoing Aggression April 23, 2026
Regarding Thailand’s Claims and Cambodia’s Stance on Thailand’s Ongoing Aggression April 23, 2026
Cambodia PR Team Responses Regarding Thailand’s Claims and Cambodia’s Stance on Thailand’s Ongoing Aggression
April 23, 2026
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Q1: How does Cambodia view Thailand’s actions at Ta Krabey Temple and its surrounding areas?
A: Cambodia regards these actions as a serious violation of its sovereignty and territorial integrity. The continued organization of events, facilitation of visits, and undertaking related activities there, particularly the construction of infrastructure and the presence of Thai authorities there demonstrate an intention to unilaterally alter the status quo. These actions also violate international legal instruments and historical treaties, such as the Franco-Siamese Treaty of 1907, the maps at scale 1:200,000, and the JBC framework. Therefore, Cambodia cannot accept these actions and continues to demand that the Thai side immediately cease all such activities.
Q2: What is Thailand’s intention in conducting religious prayer activities and hold religious ceremonies at Ta Krabey Temple area?
A: These religious prayer activities and religious ceremonies are likely politically motivated, aimed at creating confusion over sovereignty, and are not ordinary religious activities. Using religious activities to establish a presence and assert authority over disputed land is a clear violation of sovereignty. Furthermore, this violates international law and the spirit of mutual respect in dispute resolution. Cambodia considers such actions as escalatory and damaging to mutual trust between the two parties.
Q3: Is Thailand’s claim that it respects the GBC Joint Statement of 27 December 2025 true?
A: This claim does not correspond to the actual situation. On the surface, Thailand affirms its respect for the GBC Joint Statement, but its actions on the ground contradict its claims, including the continued construction of infrastructure, the raising of national flags, and the creation of permanent structures in disputed areas, thereby creating a fait accompli. Additionally, there have been land clearing activities and the addition of military materiel, which violate the principle of “maintaining current position” and the principle of non-escalation. Furthermore, at Ta Krabey Temple, there have been additional activities such as organizing public events and religious activities by Thai authorities and citizens, despite successive protests from Cambodia. These actions not only violate the GBC Joint Statement but also violate the Franco-Siamese Treaty of 1907 and various international laws, demonstrating a lack of respect for the essential spirit of the agreement, which aims to preserve the status quo and reduce conflict. Therefore, Thailand’s claim is inconsistent with what is actually happening on the ground.
Q4: Can Thailand’s past actions be considered as taken to maintain the security and safety of its citizens, as repeatedly claimed by Thailand?
A: Thailand’s actions cannot be considered as taken to maintain the security and safety of its citizens. If those actions were genuinely taken to protect security, they should contribute to reducing tensions, be carried out with caution, and respect the status quo—not create confusion, undermine mutual trust between the two parties, or further escalate the situation. What has been happening on the ground is completely contrary to Thailand’s claims; rather, it constitutes an attempt to illegally occupy Cambodian territory.
Q5: Amidst Thailand’s ongoing aggression, what does Cambodia demand from the Thai side, and what is Cambodia’s stance in resolving border issues?
A: While the Thai side continues its ongoing aggression, Cambodia demands that the Thai side immediately cease all illegal activities at Ta Krabey Temple and its surrounding areas, withdraw its forces, and refrain from all forms of alteration to the situation on the ground whether through construction, fortification of positions, or any action that results in a fait accompli.
[4/24/2026 9:49 AM] Chan Sophal គសពស: Furthermore, Cambodia demands respect for basic human rights by allowing citizens to return to their homes safely and with dignity, without obstruction or threat. Nevertheless, Cambodia maintains a highly responsible stance by seeking to resolve border issues peacefully through existing bilateral mechanisms, particularly the Joint Boundary Commission (JBC), and based on international law. Peace cannot be achieved through unilateral actions on the ground, but through dialogue, mutual respect, and the sincere implementation of agreements.
