Cambodia Lodges Formal Protest Against Thai Military Activities

PHNOM PENH, June 20, 2026 (KPT) – Cambodia has lodged a formal protest against what it calls repeated violations of its sovereignty and territorial integrity by Thai military forces along the shared border.

In a statement issued Friday, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation accused Thai troops of raising national flags inside Cambodian territory near the Thmor Da International Border Checkpoint in Pursat Province on June 17.

The ministry further alleged that a warehouse at the Royal O Smach Hotel and Resort in Oddar Meanchey Province, reportedly under Thai military occupation, was deliberately set ablaze the same day.

Cambodian officials also claimed Thai forces had erected concrete fences near Ta Krabey Temple in Oddar Meanchey.

Phnom Penh said the actions breached border demarcations established under the Franco-Siamese Convention of 1904 and the Treaty of 1907, and contradicted de-escalation measures agreed at a General Border Committee meeting in December 2025.

The ministry cited provisions of a 2000 memorandum of understanding on land boundary demarcation, rejecting any unilateral territorial claims.

“Cambodia does not recognise any border changes resulting from the use of force,” the statement said, adding that the reported activities would not affect the kingdom’s legal position on its international boundary.

The government urged Thailand to halt what it described as unilateral actions in disputed areas and called for efforts to reduce tensions, build trust and maintain stability along the frontier.

Cambodia reiterated its commitment to resolving border disputes peacefully, in line with international law and existing bilateral agreements.