Cambodia Protests Thai Legal Action, Raises Border Concerns at ASEAN and UN

PHNOM PENH, January 30, 2026 (KPT) – Cambodia has lodged a formal diplomatic protest against Thailand over legal proceedings targeting its senior leadership, while raising concerns about displaced civilians and border tensions at ASEAN and the United Nations.

Government spokesperson Pen Bona said Cambodia was pursuing diplomatic efforts to safeguard the dignity of its leaders, protect displaced citizens and defend territorial integrity.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs formally protested a complaint filed in a Thai court by the secretary general of Thailand’s National Security Council, which named Cambodia’s Senate president and prime minister in connection with military operations along the border in 2025.

Bona said the move undermined efforts to de escalate tensions and contradicted the joint statement of the third special meeting of the General Border Committee in December 2025.

Cambodia argued that domestic legal action against leaders of a sovereign state has no basis under international law and runs counter to the ASEAN Charter and Treaty of Amity and Cooperation.

At the ASEAN Foreign Ministers’ Retreat in Cebu, Cambodia reiterated its commitment to peaceful dispute resolution.

The Cambodian Human Rights Committee also wrote to UN Special Rapporteur Paula Gaviria Betancur, alleging violations by Thai forces, including expulsions of civilians.

Bona said Cambodia has issued hundreds of diplomatic notes and facilitated visits to border areas, stressing its boundary with Thailand is based on internationally recognised treaties and rejecting any attempt to alter it by force.