Cambodia Protests Thai Border Activity, Announces Fuel Relief Measures

PHNOM PENH, April 4, 2026 (KPT) – Cambodia has lodged a formal protest against Thailand over military and civilian activity along sections of the shared border, while unveiling new measures to cushion citizens from rising fuel costs.

Government spokesman Pen Bona said the protest was filed on April 3, citing incidents in Chok Chey village in Banteay Meanchey province and multiple sites in Oddar Meanchey.

He accused Thai forces and civilians of conducting land verification exercises and deploying troops, armoured vehicles, and heavy machinery near border markers.

“These actions violate previously agreed de-escalation measures, and Cambodia does not recognise any border changes made unilaterally,” Bona said, describing the moves as attempts to influence ongoing demarcation efforts by the Joint Boundary Commission.

Phnom Penh reaffirmed its commitment to resolving disputes peacefully and in line with international law, stressing that territorial boundaries must not be altered by force.

In a separate announcement, the government outlined new interventions to ease the impact of global energy price fluctuations.

Fuel subsidies will remain at 6.5 US cents per litre, with an additional reduction of one cent per litre if international prices exceed set thresholds.

Import duties on fuel have been scrapped, while special taxes and VAT on gasoline and diesel have been cut, with the state covering remaining costs.

Bona said the measures, alongside adjustments to import tariffs on electric vehicles and export taxes on certain products, aim to reduce consumer expenses and support economic stability amid volatile global markets.