Cambodia warns Thailand over alleged border violations

PHNOM PENH, Mar 19, 2026 (KPT) — Cambodia has lodged a formal protest against Thailand, accusing Bangkok of illegal actions along the frontier and warning it to halt encroachment, government spokesman Pen Bona said Thursday.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs submitted the protest on March 18, alleging Thai armed forces had occupied Cambodian territory despite a ceasefire agreement signed late last year.

Officials said Thai troops had cleared land, built roads and permanent structures, and raised Thai flags in several locations. “This official letter is of significant importance in protecting the country’s territorial integrity,” Bona said.

“It serves as a warning message to Thailand that Cambodia holds ownership over those locations, and the Thai side cannot carry out any activities there.”

The ministry said the sites lie entirely within Cambodian territory, citing maps from the Franco Siamese conventions of 1904 and 1907.

It added the actions violate Article 5 of the 2000 Memorandum of Understanding on boundary demarcation and de escalation measures agreed in December 2025.

Cambodia called on Thailand to cease all activities immediately, respect bilateral agreements, and avoid unilateral actions that could escalate tensions.

The government reaffirmed its commitment to resolving disputes peacefully under international law, rejecting any attempt to alter boundaries by force.