Cambodia protests Thai military presence near border checkpoint

PHNOM PENH, Feb 5, 2026 (KPT) — Cambodia has lodged a formal protest against Thailand after Thai armed forces placed three shipping containers near a disputed border area, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said Thursday.

The ministry said the containers were installed on February 3 in An Seh village, Choam Ksan district, Preah Vihear province, in territory Phnom Penh insists lies within Cambodia’s sovereign borders. Officials said the move obstructed access to the An Seh International Border Checkpoint.

In a statement, Cambodia described the action as a violation of its sovereignty and territorial integrity, warning it could alter the local security environment, consolidate military control and create new facts on the ground.

The ministry added that such developments risk undermining de-escalation efforts and delaying the safe return of civilians to their homes and properties.

Phnom Penh said it “categorically objects” to what it called an illegal act, accusing Thailand of consolidating its occupation of Cambodian territory.

The government added the move contradicted de-escalation measures agreed under Item I of the Joint Statement from the third Special Meeting of the General Border Committee, held on December 27, 2025. It also said the action contravened both the UN Charter and the ASEAN Charter.

Despite the dispute, Cambodia reaffirmed its commitment to resolving boundary issues with Thailand through peaceful means and in accordance with international law, stressing that borders must not be changed by force.