Cambodia Protests Thai Military’s Alleged Border Violations Over Road Construction in Oddar Meanchey
Cambodia Protests Thai Military’s Alleged Border Violations Over Road Construction in Oddar Meanchey
PHNOM PENH, October 25, 2026 — Cambodia has lodged a strong protest against Thailand over alleged violations of Cambodian sovereignty and territorial integrity after Thai armed forces reportedly used heavy machinery to construct a road in the Ta Tum area of Anlong Veng district, Oddar Meanchey province.
In a press release dated October 23, Cambodia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation said Thai forces carried out road construction between boundary pillars No. 9, 10 and 11 on October 15. Two days later, Thai forces allegedly sprayed red markings on trees between boundary pillars No. 10 and 11 in preparation for further road construction in the area.
The Cambodian government condemned the activities, describing them as a clear violation of the country’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.
Cambodia Cites Historical Boundary Agreements
According to the Foreign Ministry, Cambodia’s position is based on 1:200,000-scale maps produced by the commissions responsible for delimiting the boundary between Indochina and Siam, under the Franco-Siamese Convention of 1904 and the Treaty of 1907.
The ministry also said the reported activities violated Article 5 of the Memorandum of Understanding between Cambodia and Thailand on the Survey and Demarcation of the Land Boundary, signed on June 14, 2000.
It further cited Item I, concerning de-escalation measures, of the joint statement issued at the third special meeting of the General Border Committee on December 27, 2025.
Phnom Penh Rejects Unilateral Border Claims
The Cambodian government reiterated that it does not accept any boundary line or territorial claim asserted unilaterally by Thailand.
The ministry stressed that the reported activities would not prejudice Cambodia’s legal rights or position regarding its international boundary.
Phnom Penh called on Thailand to immediately cease the activities, refrain from further unilateral actions and take steps to ease tensions, build mutual trust and preserve peace and good neighbourly relations along the border.
Cambodia Reaffirms Commitment to Peaceful Resolution
Despite the protest, Cambodia said it remained committed to resolving boundary disputes with Thailand and other neighbouring countries through peaceful means, in accordance with international law and existing bilateral agreements.
The government reaffirmed its position that international borders must not be changed by force.
The statement did not include a response from the Thai government to Cambodia’s allegations.
