Analysts say Thailand appears to be continuing ‘fait accompli’ tactic along border

PHNOM PENH, July 7, 2026 (KPT) – Cambodian analysts have accused Thailand of continuing what they described as a “fait accompli” tactic along the frontier, following reports of barbed wire installations, border fence construction and farming activities in areas claimed by Cambodia.

The comments came after Cambodian authorities reported that Thai forces had installed barbed wire in Preah Vihear and Oddar Meanchey provinces, while officials alleged that Thai nationals were cultivating land in Battambang province.

Phnom Penh said the activities persisted despite repeated calls to resume meetings of the General Border Committee and the Joint Boundary Commission.

Political scientist Yang Poeu told local media that Thailand was rejecting bilateral mechanisms while seeking to establish “facts on the ground” in disputed areas.

He said the reported installations and farming activities were part of a strategy aimed at strengthening Thailand’s position.

Yang warned the actions could heighten the risk of renewed confrontation, urging Cambodia to exercise restraint and avoid provocation.

He described the construction of border fencing as “unacceptable,” arguing it breached existing agreements requiring each country to build infrastructure only on its own side while demarcation remained incomplete.

Geopolitical analyst Gnel Rattha also criticised the reported activities, saying they violated Article 5 of the 2000 Memorandum of Understanding on land boundary survey and demarcation.

“By unilaterally building a fence without the joint approval of the Joint Boundary Commission, Thailand has directly violated the very treaty it claims to uphold,” he said.

Rattha added the actions were inconsistent with ASEAN principles on peaceful dispute settlement and respect for sovereignty, and undermined the work of the ASEAN Observer Team.

Cambodia’s Foreign Ministry said it lodged a formal protest after Thai forces installed barbed wire on July 2 at Mom Bei in Preah Vihear and Chob Ruan in Oddar Meanchey.

It said the measures violated de‑escalation commitments made at a General Border Committee meeting in December 2025.

Separately, the Defence Ministry said ASEAN observers visited areas near Border Pillars 52 to 54, where Cambodian authorities allege Thai forces built a fence, damaging temporary survey markers.

Observers later inspected sites between Pillars 52 and 59 after technical briefings, with Cambodian officials reporting Thai nationals cultivating land claimed by Cambodia.

Cambodia said further protests had been submitted, urging the Joint Boundary Commission to convene urgently to resolve the dispute through established mechanisms.