Cambodia Protests Alleged Thai Military Actions, Citing International Law Breach

PHNOM PENH, Feb 12, 2026 (KPT) – Cambodia has lodged a formal protest against what it described as unlawful activities by Thai armed forces in Banteay Meanchey Province, accusing Bangkok of violating international law and bilateral agreements.

In a statement Wednesday, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said local authorities reported the demolition of civilian infrastructure and administrative buildings in the Boeung Trakoun area, between Boundary Pillars No. 33 and 36 in Thmar Puok District.

Officials also alleged that in Chouk Chey Village, O’Bei Chorn Commune, O’Chrov District — between Boundary Pillars No. 46 and 47 — Thai forces constructed a ditch and road and filled in a pond.

The ministry said these actions had altered the terrain and amounted to an attempt to legitimize what it called the unlawful occupation of Cambodian territory. It stressed that the moves contravened the UN Charter, the ASEAN Charter, and commitments made under recent border de-escalation agreements, including the Joint Boundary Commission meeting in October 2025.

Cambodia reaffirmed its commitment to resolving disputes peacefully, insisting that borders must not be changed by force and that sovereignty and territorial integrity are essential to regional stability.

The protest comes amid renewed tensions along the frontier, even as both sides have pledged dialogue. Cambodian analysts warned that Thailand’s reported plan to scrap long-standing border agreements could further inflame relations.

Thai media said Anutin Charnvirakul, whose Bhumjaithai Party won Sunday’s election, has instructed officials to prepare for the possible termination of a 2001 memorandum of understanding on overlapping maritime boundaries.

Yang Peou, a Cambodian political analyst, said the MoU was registered with the United Nations and cannot be unilaterally revoked. “This agreement is recognized under international law, and both sides are obliged to implement it,” he said, warning that unilateral withdrawal would undermine international order.