Cambodia Condemns Alleged Thai Military Occupation and Civilian Damage Along Border

PHNOM PENH, Cambodia (Jan. 5, 2026) — Cambodia has lodged a formal protest against Thailand, accusing its military of illegally occupying parts of Cambodian territory and damaging civilian infrastructure.

Government spokesperson Pen Bona said during a press briefing Monday that the Thai military’s continued presence along the border violated international law and the Dec. 27, 2025, ceasefire agreement reached at the third Special Meeting of the General Border Committee.

He said any control or administrative acts exercised by Thai forces in the disputed areas were unlawful and without legal effect. The statement also criticized Thailand for installing shipping containers, barbed wire and flags in the occupied areas, describing the actions as violations of the internationally recognized boundary.

Bona alleged that Thai forces destroyed homes and infrastructure during large-scale military operations from Dec. 7 to Dec. 27, 2025, targeting civilians and continuing acts of destruction even after the ceasefire took effect.

Cambodian officials also accused Thai soldiers of fencing off land and properties, looting homes and preventing displaced civilians from returning.

“Such actions constitute grave violations of international law, international humanitarian law and human rights,” Bona said, calling on Thailand to halt all hostile military activities and respect the mandate of the Joint Boundary Commission to demarcate the border based on existing agreements and international law.

He reaffirmed Cambodia’s commitment to safeguarding its border with Thailand, citing historical treaties, boundary maps and agreements inherited from the Commission of Delimitation of the Boundary between Indo-China and Siam.

The government said it would not recognize any changes to the boundary imposed by force.

Bona concluded that the alleged demolition of civilian homes, looting of property and other actions by Thai forces were inhumane, illegal and a violation of Cambodia’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.