Cambodia urges Thailand to halt border activities amid rising tensions

PHNOM PENH, March 21, 2026 (KPT) – Cambodia on Saturday called on Thailand to immediately cease activities in disputed border areas and refrain from unilateral actions elsewhere along the frontier, as tensions rise between the two neighbors.

Government spokesman Pen Bona said full implementation of bilateral agreements in good faith was essential to de-escalate tensions, build trust and maintain stability in the border region.

“The Royal Government of Cambodia does not accept any territorial claims or border lines unilaterally asserted by Thailand,” he said, stressing that ongoing activities did not affect Cambodia’s legal rights or its internationally recognized borders.

The government reaffirmed its commitment to resolving disputes peacefully, in line with international law and bilateral accords, and reiterated that border lines must not be altered by force.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs said it had lodged a formal protest over what it described as ongoing violations of Cambodian sovereignty by Thai armed forces, despite a ceasefire agreement reached on December 27, 2025.

Smoke was reported rising from three locations in Boeung Trakuon, believed to be residential houses within Cambodian territory under Thai occupation.

In O Teuk Chol, Oddar Meanchey province, Thai forces were said to be clearing land and building roads and concrete structures stretching from K’nar Temple toward Ta Krabey Temple.

On March 18, Thai forces, accompanied by forest and land survey officials, reportedly allocated three plots of land to Thai citizens in Chouk Chey village, Banteay Meanchey province, between boundary pillars 46 and 47.