Cambodia accuses Thailand of undermining border de-escalation with new barbed wire

PHNOM PENH, Jan 18, 2026 (KPT) — Cambodia on Sunday accused Thailand of undermining recently agreed border de-escalation efforts after Thai forces laid barbed wire near the Thmor Da International Point of Entry in Pursat province, prompting a formal protest and raising fresh sovereignty concerns.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs said the Thai military’s actions on January 16 had “altered the security environment in and around civilian areas, consolidated military control, and created new facts on the ground.”

Phnom Penh warned the move directly contradicted commitments made under the Joint Statement of the 3rd Special Meeting of the General Border Committee (GBC) on December 27, which sought to ease tensions and restore normal civilian life along the frontier.

“The December agreement was intended as a comprehensive framework to de-escalate the situation, protect civilians, and promote peaceful resolution of disputes — not to entrench military presence or introduce new barriers,” the ministry said.

Cambodia added that laying barbed wire near an international crossing raised serious concerns over territorial integrity and risked hindering 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 lodging the protest, Cambodia reaffirmed its commitment to resolving border issues peacefully, in line with international law and existing agreements, stressing that “borders must not be altered by force.”