Cambodia Urges Respect for International Law Amid Border Tensions with Thailand

PHNOM PENH, Feb 3, 2026 (KPT) – Cambodia has called on Thailand to respect international law and binding agreements following escalating tensions along their shared border.

Speaking at the Assemblée parlementaire de la Francophonie, Uch Borarith, First Vice-President of the Cambodian Senate, said recent incidents had “sharply deteriorated” despite mechanisms designed to prevent conflict.

He cited historical treaties, including the 1904 treaty and 1907 protocol, as well as joint mechanisms such as the General Border Committee and Joint Border Committee, which he said had been repeatedly ignored by Thailand.

Borarith pointed to military operations between December 7 and 27, 2025, involving barrier construction, civilian displacement and occupation of Cambodian territory.

“The presence of foreign troops in violation of recognized borders constitutes a serious and continuous violation of Cambodia’s territorial integrity,” he said, calling for the unconditional withdrawal of Thai forces.

Borarith also stressed humanitarian and cultural impacts, including civilian displacement and damage to the UNESCO-listed Preah Vihear Temple.

He said Cambodia’s response had been patient and cooperative, allowing monitoring, facilitating ASEAN observers and implementing humanitarian measures.

He appealed to the Francophone parliamentary community to support dialogue, reinforce ceasefire agreements and uphold sovereignty and non-use of force, stressing Cambodia does not seek confrontation but lasting peace cannot be achieved through coercion or unilateral claims.