Cambodia Urges Thailand to Respect Treaties Amid Border Dispute

PHNOM PENH, Feb 9, 2026 (KPT) — Cambodia has lodged a formal protest against Thailand, accusing its military of violating Cambodian sovereignty along the shared border, officials said Monday.

Government spokesman Pen Bona said the Ministry of Foreign Affairs issued a strong protest on February 8 over Thai military actions in Oddar Meanchey and Pursat provinces, including blocking roads with containers and building new routes inside Cambodian territory.

“The locations where Thailand placed containers are entirely Cambodian territory, as defined in the 1904 and 1907 Franco-Siamese treaties,” Siphan told reporters.

He added that the moves breached agreements reached at the Joint Border Commission’s special meeting on December 27, 2025.

Cambodia said the actions delayed the safe return of displaced residents and attempted to alter the security situation in areas under what it calls illegal Thai occupation, in violation of UN and ASEAN charters.

The government also rejected Thai claims over the Ta Krabei and Ta Muan temples, citing historical treaties and the 1962 International Court of Justice ruling on Preah Vihear.

Any restoration work by Thailand without Cambodia’s consent would breach a 2000 memorandum of understanding and international heritage law, officials said.

Phnom Penh urged Bangkok to cease violations and resolve disputes peacefully under existing agreements.