Cambodia Protests Alleged Thai Military Activity Along Border

PHNOM PENH, Cambodia (Jan.05,2026) — Cambodia has lodged a formal diplomatic protest against Thailand, accusing its neighbor of illegally occupying Cambodian territory and conducting military operations despite a recent ceasefire.

Chan Rathana, undersecretary of state and deputy spokesperson for Cambodia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, said Thai forces were operating in four Cambodian provinces in violation of commitments between the two countries.

He said Thailand had disregarded the spirit of a joint declaration issued after a special meeting of the Cambodia-Thailand Joint Border Commission on Dec. 27, 2025. That declaration urged both sides to avoid provocative actions and the use of force against civilians and civilian infrastructure.

According to Cambodian officials, Thai military operations have damaged civil infrastructure and cultural sites in several locations, including Phum Prey Chan, Chok Chey and Boeng Trakuon in Banteay Meanchey province, as well as the Thma Da international border crossing in Pursat province.

Rathana said the actions violated international law, citing provisions of the United Nations Charter that require disputes to be settled peacefully and prohibit the use of force against another state’s territorial integrity.

He also referred to the Fourth Geneva Convention and its Additional Protocols, which restrict the destruction of civilian and state property during conflict.

He noted that Cambodia and Thailand share internationally recognized land borders based on agreements signed in 1904 and 1907, and said the Joint Mixed Commission on the Cambodia-Thailand Boundary was established to define the border line between agreed boundary pillars.

Cambodia’s delegation to the commission has submitted a written protest over what it described as Thai violations, while acknowledging recent progress in implementing conclusions agreed by the commission in October 2025.

Separately, government spokesperson Pen Bona said Phnom Penh strongly rejected Thailand’s continued military presence in what Cambodia considers its territory.

“Cambodia firmly upholds the protection of the international border line with Thailand,” Bona said, adding that the country respects international law, existing treaties and official boundary records established by earlier border commissions.

He said Cambodia remained committed to resolving the dispute through peaceful and diplomatic means, stressing that borders “cannot be changed through the use of force.”