Cambodia says Thailand preparing new map to support territorial claims

PHNOM PENH, June 29, 2026 (KPT) – A senior Cambodian border official has accused Thailand’s military of preparing a new map to bolster what Phnom Penh describes as unlawful territorial claims along the two countries’ frontier.

Ith Sotha, permanent secretary of state at the State Secretariat of Border Affairs, told National Television of Cambodia (TVK) that Thai forces were attempting to redraw the boundary to include areas Cambodia says have been occupied following recent military operations.

He said Thailand’s existing unilateral 1:50,000-scale map already places several disputed sites – including Ta Moan Thom Temple, Ta Krabei Temple and Khna Temple – inside Cambodian territory. According to Ith Sotha, the Thai military is now seeking to extend those claims by producing a new version.

“The Thai military is now attempting to draw a new border line in order to incorporate into Thailand’s territory the areas that Thailand has invaded and is illegally occupying,” he said.

Ith Sotha alleged Thai forces carried out two incursions into Cambodian territory in 2025, using force to seize temples and positions previously held by Cambodian troops. He said Cambodia viewed these actions as an attempt to create a “fait accompli” on the ground.

He argued that Thailand’s unilateral maps have no legal validity, stressing that the border is governed by internationally recognised treaties, conventions, maps and demarcation records agreed between the French colonial administration representing Cambodia and Siam, the predecessor of modern Thailand.