Cambodia Protests Thailand’s Road and Military Bunker Construction Along Border
Cambodia Protests Thailand’s Road and Military Bunker Construction Along Border
PHNOM PENH, Aug. 22, 2026 — The Royal Government of Cambodia has formally lodged another strong protest against what it describes as Thailand’s continued violations of Cambodia’s sovereignty and territorial integrity along the border, according to a press release issued by Cambodia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation on Friday.
According to the ministry, between July 26 and August 17, 2026, Thai armed forces progressively cleared forest in Sangkat O Smach, Krong Samraong, Oddar Meanchey Province, to facilitate the construction of a new road running from the north of Boundary Pillar No. 14 toward the area of Ta Thong Mountain (Hill 278).
The ministry said that on August 20, Thai forces continued road construction in the area and also carried out the construction of new military bunkers.
Cambodia further stated that on the same day, Thai armed forces constructed additional military bunkers north of Keo Sikha Kiri Svara Pagoda in Sra Em Commune, Choam Ksan District, Preah Vihear Province.
The Cambodian Foreign Ministry described the activities as a clear violation of Cambodia’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, as well as Cambodia-Thailand bilateral agreements concerning the border.
The ministry specifically referred to the Memorandum of Understanding between Cambodia and Thailand on the Survey and Demarcation of the Land Boundary, signed on June 14, 2000, and the Joint Statement of the 3rd Special Meeting of the General Border Committee (GBC), dated December 27, 2025.
Under the 2025 GBC Joint Statement, Cambodia said both sides had agreed to refer the matter to the Joint Boundary Commission (JBC) and resume survey and demarcation work at the earliest opportunity, in accordance with existing agreements between the two countries.
Cambodia reiterated that it does not accept any boundary line or territorial claim unilaterally asserted by Thailand, stressing that the activities described in the protest must not prejudice Cambodia’s legal rights or position concerning its international boundary.
The Royal Government of Cambodia urged Thailand to cease such activities and honor its commitment to de-escalating the situation, strengthening mutual trust and facilitating the peaceful settlement of disputes.
Cambodia also reaffirmed that it remains committed to resolving all boundary disputes with Thailand, as with all of its neighboring countries, exclusively through peaceful means, in accordance with international law and existing bilateral agreements.
The Cambodian government further stressed its position that borderlines must not be changed by force, while calling for the restoration of peace, stability and good-neighbourly relations along the Cambodia-Thailand border.
