Cambodia Files Protest Against Thai Infrastructure Works Near Preah Vihear
Cambodia Files Protest Against Thai Infrastructure Works Near Preah Vihear
PHNOM PENH, March 13, 2026 — Cambodia has lodged a formal protest against what it described as unlawful activities by Thai armed forces along the border, accusing them of violating Cambodia’s sovereignty and territorial integrity at several locations near the frontier.
In a statement on Friday, Cambodia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation said Thai military personnel and civilians carried out construction and excavation works between Feb. 23 and Feb. 25 on the promontory of the Preah Vihear Temple, including the building of a guard post and a road leading toward Keo Sikha Kiri Svarak Pagoda.
The ministry said the activities disregard rulings by the International Court of Justice (ICJ) in 1962 and 2013, which affirmed that Preah Vihear Temple and its surrounding promontory lie within Cambodian territory.
Cambodia also accused Thai forces and monks of continuing the construction of a large Buddha statue in the Bosbov–Choam Tae area of Choam Khsan district in Preah Vihear province, despite repeated requests from Phnom Penh to halt the work that began on March 7.
The statement further alleged that Thai armed forces have continued building permanent infrastructure near Ta Krabey Temple, including concrete roads, stairways and Buddha statues intended to establish tourist facilities and military positions.
Similar activities were reported in Chob Angkunh and Derm Trang areas in Oddar Meanchey province, where Cambodian officials said Thai forces erected structures and built concrete roads.
Phnom Penh said the activities violate Article 5 of the 2000 Memorandum of Understanding on the Survey and Demarcation of Land Boundary, which prohibits alterations to the physical or environmental characteristics of border areas that could affect the work of the Joint Boundary Commission (JBC).
The Cambodian government called on Thailand to immediately cease the activities and respect the Joint Statement issued after the 3rd Special Meeting of the General Border Committee (GBC) on Dec. 27, 2025, as well as other bilateral agreements.
Cambodia reiterated that it remains committed to resolving border issues peacefully in accordance with international law and existing bilateral agreements, while emphasizing that borders must not be changed through force or unilateral actions on the ground.
