Cambodia Protests Over Thai Military Activity Near Preah Vihear

PHNOM PENH, April 6, 2026 (KPT) – Cambodia has lodged a formal protest against Thailand over what it described as unlawful military activity in a disputed border area near the Preah Vihear Temple.

In a statement issued April 5, the foreign ministry said Thai armed forces carried out land-clearing operations on April 4 in territory Cambodia considers illegally occupied.

The activities reportedly took place in Sra Em commune, Choam Ksan district, Preah Vihear province, north of Keo Sikha Kiri Svara Pagoda.

Officials said Thai troops also installed about 100 metres of barbed wire and deployed armoured vehicles in the Bosbov-Choam Tae area.

Phnom Penh stressed the actions were “neither defensive in nature” nor consistent with agreements reached during the Joint Statement of the 3rd Special General Border Committee in December 2025.

The government accused Thailand of attempting to alter the situation on the ground, citing violations of Cambodia’s sovereignty under the Franco-Siamese Convention of 1904 and Treaty of 1907.

Cambodia called on Thailand to halt the activities and reaffirmed its commitment to resolving disputes peacefully under international law and bilateral agreements.