Cambodian PM accuses Thailand of occupying territory beyond disputed border claims

PHNOM PENH, Feb 20, 2026 (KPT) – Cambodian Prime Minister Samdech Thipadei Hun Manet has accused Thailand of occupying Cambodian territory in violation of a ceasefire agreement, saying Thai forces have installed shipping containers and barbed wire to block villagers from returning to their homes.

Speaking in Washington during an interview with Fox News, Samdech Thipadei Hun Manet said Thai troops had moved beyond areas claimed under Bangkok’s unilateral border map.

“When the troops stopped fighting, Thais occupied Cambodian territory and installed containers and barbed wire,” he said. “This is why we say the occupation goes beyond the unilateral map Thailand claims.”

He added that Cambodian villagers had been prevented from re-entering their communities despite an agreement allowing civilians to return.

Samdech Thipadei Hun Manet stressed that both sides had agreed troops would remain in their existing positions under the ceasefire terms.

“In the statement, it was clearly said that both sides’ troops must not move and must stay where they are,” he said. “But Thailand used containers and barbed wire to block Cambodian villagers in areas within Cambodian territory.”

The prime minister urged Thailand to allow civilians to return and to resume border demarcation talks through the Joint Boundary Commission.

He reiterated Cambodia’s position that the dispute should be resolved peacefully. “War cannot stop war in a sustainable way,” he said.

Samdech Thipadei Hun Manet also referred to what he called the “KL Peace Accord,” an initiative he said was supported by US President Donald Trump.

He praised Trump’s role in mediating tensions, saying the US leader was committed to promoting stability in the region.

“President Trump always talks about saving lives and stopping war to bring peace,” Samdech Thipadei Hun Manet said.

In a separate interview with Reuters, Samdech Thipadei Hun Manet said Cambodia would not recognise any attempt to alter its borders by force or accept what he described as the illegal occupation of its territory.

He accused Thai forces of remaining inside Cambodian land despite a ceasefire brokered by Trump in December, and urged Bangkok to allow demarcation work to resume.

Samdech Thipadei Hun Manet alleged Thai troops were present beyond boundary lines unilaterally claimed by Thailand, warning that the situation remained “fragile” despite the truce that ended renewed clashes late last year.