Cambodia Reaffirms Border’s Legal Status, Rejects Changes by Force After Thai Barbed Wire Move

PHNOM PENH, Jan 18, 2026 (KPT) — Cambodia on Sunday reaffirmed the legal status of its frontier with Thailand, rejecting any attempt to alter the boundary through force after accusing Thai troops of laying barbed wire near an international crossing in Pursat province.

Government spokesman Pen Bona told reporters that Phnom Penh remained “steadfast” in defending the border as defined by the historic Franco-Siamese Mixed Border Commission, in line with international law and bilateral treaties.

“Cambodia does not recognize any change to the border that arises from the use of force,” Bona said, stressing that the boundary must be respected under conventions, demarcation maps and records, and agreements previously reached by both sides.

The remarks followed a formal protest lodged by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, which accused Thai forces of undermining recent de-escalation efforts by installing barbed wire near the Thmor Da International Point of Entry on January 16.

According to the ministry, the Thai military’s actions “altered the security environment in and around civilian areas, consolidated military control, and created new facts on the ground.” Phnom Penh said the move contradicted commitments made under the Joint Statement of the 3rd Special Meeting of the General Border Committee (GBC) on December 27, which aimed to ease tensions and restore normal civilian life along the frontier.

The ministry warned that the December agreement was intended to protect civilians and promote peaceful dispute resolution — not to entrench military positions or introduce new barriers. Cambodia also voiced concern that the barbed wire could hinder the safe return of civilians displaced by earlier clashes.

Phnom Penh urged Bangkok to implement the December commitments “fully and in good faith,” calling for restraint and reliance on diplomatic mechanisms rather than unilateral military measures.

Despite the latest tensions, Cambodia reiterated its commitment to resolving border issues peacefully, insisting that “borders must not be altered by force.”