Cambodia lodges fresh protest over Thai border actions
- Map shows Cambodian villages in Boeng Trakuon border town that have been illegally occupied by the Thai military since the December 2025 ceasefire agreement. SSBA
Synopsis: Phnom Penh accuses Thai forces of territorial incursions, structural demolitions and military construction in disputed border areas, while reiterating call for peaceful bilateral resolution.
Cambodia has lodged a formal protest against Thailand over alleged violations of its sovereignty and territorial integrity, citing the demolition of civilian homes, construction of military structures and other activities in border areas occupied by Thai forces since December 2025.
In a press release, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation said the protest follows a series of actions by Thai armed forces in Cambodian territory, including the demolition of civilian property, construction of bunkers and drilling of a water well.
Government spokesman Pen Bona said yesterday that the administration continues to pursue diplomatic measures to protect territorial integrity and assist civilians displaced by the border conflict.
The ministry stated that on August 31, Thai forces demolished two houses in the Boeung Trakun area of Banteay Meanchey province. Following the demolition, Thai personnel used heavy machinery to level the ground and construct an earthen embankment for a permanent military installation.
From September 1 to 3, Thai forces dispatched heavy machinery to construct military bunkers near O Khla Khmum Pagoda in Oddar Meanchey province. Subsequently, between September 4 and 7, Thai forces drilled a well in Chouk Chey village and demolished additional civilian structures in Prey Chan village, Banteay Meanchey province.
The ministry also raised concerns over a Monday visit led by Thai Air Chief Marshal Prapas Sornchaidee, who accompanied the ASEAN Observer Team in Thailand (AOT-TH) and foreign media to inspect buildings near the Royal O Smach Hotel and Resort in Oddar Meanchey province.
Cambodia stated the area has been occupied by Thai forces since December 2025, describing the inspection as an illegitimate assertion of Thai administrative authority over Cambodian territory.
Phnom Penh rejected the use of crime suppression as a pretext for territorial incursions.
The ministry noted that these actions violate the 2000 Memorandum of Understanding on the Survey and Demarcation of Land Boundary, alongside agreements reached during the 3rd Special Meeting of the General Border Committee in December 2025. Both sides had agreed to refer territorial matters to the Joint Boundary Commission to resume demarcation work.
Cambodia reiterated that it does not recognise any boundary line or territorial claim unilaterally asserted by Thailand.
“The aforementioned illegal activities shall not prejudice the legal rights or position of the Kingdom of Cambodia with respect to its international boundary,” the ministry said.
It demanded that Thailand cease all such activities, honour its commitment to de-escalate tensions and facilitate the peaceful settlement of disputes.
According to Bona, about 20,000 Cambodians remain displaced, while infrastructure and property continues to suffer damage.
Bona added that Prime Minister Hun Manet and Senate President Hun Sen are pursuing diplomatic channels to defend national sovereignty, maintaining that border disputes must be resolved through peaceful negotiation rather than unilateral action.
-Khmer Times-
