PHNOM PENH: Cambodia has formally protested continued activities by Thai armed forces that violate its sovereignty and territorial integrity along multiple sections of the shared border, according to a statement released by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation.
In an April 19 press release which followed April 18 developments in the occupied territory, Cambodia accused Thai forces of undertaking construction and land-clearing operations in several areas across Preah Vihear, Oddar Meanchey and Pursat provinces, actions it said were aimed at consolidating what it called an “illegal occupation”.
“The Royal Government of Cambodia has conveyed the formal protest… against activities conducted by Thai armed forces… to further consolidate their illegal occupation in violation of Cambodia’s sovereignty and territorial integrity,” the statement said.
The alleged activities include the construction of observation posts and bunkers, road expansion and land clearing near sensitive border areas.
In Preah Vihear province’s Sra Em commune, Choam Ksan district, Thai forces constructed an observation post in the Ta Thav area, which is located between Preah Vihear Temple and 5 Makara area.
In Oddar Meanchey province’s Anlong Veng district, Thai forces continued road construction near the present Boundary Pillar No. 2 and in the Doeum Ta Trav area of Trapeng Prasat District.
In Banteay Ampil district, they dug bunkers in the area of Chup Koki International Border Checkpoint.
In Kon Kriel commune’s Samraong town, they constructed an observation post east of the Chup Doeum Knul area, and continued land-clearing activities, north of the same area.
In Thmar Daun, Thai forces continued the construction of a concrete walkway and also constructed bunkers and a road in the Chok Krous area, east of Thmar Daun border checkpoint.
Meanwhile, in Pursat province, in Veal Veng district’s Thmar Da commune, Thai forces used heavy machinery to clear land in the O Plouk Damrey area.
Cambodia asserted that these actions not only infringe upon its territorial sovereignty but also contravene Thailand’s commitments under international and regional frameworks, including the UN Charter, the Asean Charter, and the Treaty of Amity and Cooperation in South-East Asia.
“These activities are also in breach of Thailand’s own commitment… particularly the principle of resolving disputes peacefully, respecting territorial sovereignty and refraining from the use of force against another state,” the statement noted.
Phnom Penh rejected any attempt to portray the activities as defensive or consistent with prior bilateral understandings, including the Joint Statement of the 3rd Special General Border Committee Meeting held on Dec 27, 2025.
Reaffirming its position, Cambodia stressed that it does not recognise any unilateral boundary claims asserted by Thailand and maintained that such actions would not affect its legal rights regarding the international boundary.
Calling for restraint, Cambodia urged Thailand to halt further unilateral activities in the disputed areas to prevent escalation and maintain stability along the border.
“The government of Cambodia calls upon Thailand to refrain from further unilateral actions… with a view to de-escalating the situation, fostering mutual trust and confidence, and preserving peace, stability and good neighbourliness,” it added.
Despite the rising tensions, Cambodia reiterated its commitment to resolving border disputes through peaceful means in accordance with international law and existing bilateral agreements.
“The Royal Government of Cambodia wishes to reaffirm its consistent and unwavering commitment to seeking an amicable resolution… exclusively through peaceful means… while remaining resolute in upholding its principled position that borderlines must not be changed by force,” the statement concluded.
The latest protest underscores renewed sensitivities along the Cambodia–Thailand border, where unresolved demarcation issues have periodically led to diplomatic friction between the two neighbouring countries. - The Phnom Penh Post/ANN
