Cambodia protests Thailand over alleged border wire installation

PHNOM PENH, 4 July 2026 (KPT) – Cambodia has lodged a formal protest with Thailand, accusing its forces of installing barbed wire in disputed frontier zones and breaching agreements intended to ease tensions along the border.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation said Thai troops placed wire barriers on 2 July in two locations: Mom Bei in Preah Vihear province and Chob Ruan in Oddar Meanchey province’s Trapeang Prasat district.

Phnom Penh described the move as inconsistent with de-escalation measures agreed at a General Border Committee meeting in December 2025, and in violation of a 2000 memorandum of understanding on land boundary survey and demarcation.

Cambodia urged Thailand to halt what it called further encroachments, including in areas it says have been occupied since last year.

It appealed for restraint, stressing that de-escalation was essential to rebuild trust and support a peaceful resolution of disputes.

The ministry said such actions undermine confidence-building efforts and risk inflaming tensions along sensitive stretches of the frontier.

Phnom Penh reiterated its commitment to settling outstanding boundary issues with Thailand through peaceful means, in line with international law and existing bilateral accords.

It emphasized that borders should not be altered by force, and called for dialogue to prevent incidents from escalating.

Cambodia said it remains ready to work with Thailand to advance joint survey and demarcation efforts, but insisted that unilateral measures such as wire installation run counter to the spirit of cooperation.