PHNOM PENH: Cambodia has filed a formal protest against what it described as Thailand’s ongoing violations of its sovereignty and territorial integrity, following the recent deployment of heavy construction equipment in Oddar Meanchey province.
According to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, the most recent incursions occurred on Aug 22 and 24. The Thai military reportedly sent heavy machinery into Cambodian territory to excavate a canal in the Chok Krous area of Banteay Ampil district’s Kouk Mon commune.
The ministry noted that these provocations coincided with an unauthorised visit by Thai Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul to the An Seh area in Preah Vihear province on August 23.
The Cambodian government asserted that both the canal excavation and Anutin’s entry into the An Seh area constitute clear violations of Cambodia’s sovereignty and territorial integrity as defined by the 1:200,000 scale map.
It cited the June 14, 2000 Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) and the joint declaration of the third special General Border Committee (GBC) meeting held on Dec 27, 2025, as the legal basis for its protest.
“The Cambodian government demands that Thailand cease such activities in the aforementioned areas to de-escalate the situation and promote mutual trust,” the ministry said.
It added that halting such actions would facilitate a peaceful resolution and restore peace, stability and good-neighbourly relations along the Cambodia-Thailand border. - The Phnom Penh Post/ANN
