Cambodia Vows Not to Stay Silent Over Thai Actions at Sacred Sites, Cites International Law

PHNOM PENH, Jan 24, 2026 (KPT) — Cambodia said Saturday it will not remain silent over what it described as violations of international law by Thai military forces at sacred and heritage sites inside Cambodian territory.

Government spokesperson Pen Bona, Minister Delegate attached to the Prime Minister, condemned the installation of a Buddha statue in Preah Vihear Province’s An Ses area, where a Vishnu statue was previously destroyed. He said the move contravenes Thailand’s commitments to resolve disputes peacefully under ceasefire and border agreements.

The Ministry of Cult and Religion lodged a formal protest on January 22, calling the Thai military’s actions an infringement on Cambodia’s sovereignty and a breach of international law prohibiting territorial acquisition by force.

Bona noted the conduct also runs counter to Thailand’s pledges under the July 28, 2025 ceasefire agreement, the December 27, 2025 joint statement, and other frameworks for peaceful border resolution.

The Ministry of Culture and Fine Arts separately protested Thai military activities at Ta Krabei Temple, citing damage from shelling and nearby construction. The temple, it said, is a protected archaeological site and a place of religious importance.

Both ministries urged Thailand to halt destructive actions and resolve border issues peacefully, in line with the Franco-Siamese Treaties of 1904 and 1907 and other international accords.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs had already condemned similar incidents on January 21, warning that unilateral military moves undermine efforts to de-escalate tensions.

“Cambodia firmly defends its internationally recognized border and will not accept any changes imposed by force,” Bona said, stressing that treaties, maps and historical demarcation records must be respected.