Cambodia Lodges Protest Over Thai Helicopter Airspace Intrusion
Cambodia Lodges Protest Over Thai Helicopter Airspace Intrusion
PHNOM PENH, Sept. 4, 2026 — Cambodia has lodged a formal protest against Thailand over what it described as the unauthorized entry of a Royal Thai Air Force helicopter into Cambodian airspace near the Daung International Border Checkpoint in Battambang province.
According to Press Release No. PR 124/2026 issued by Cambodia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, a Thai military helicopter allegedly entered approximately 400 metres into Cambodian airspace on September 3, 2026, near the Daung International Border Checkpoint in Kamrieng district.
The Cambodian government said the incident constitutes a violation of Cambodia’s sovereignty, international law and existing bilateral commitments.
Cambodia cited Article 1 of the Convention on International Civil Aviation, which affirms that states have complete and exclusive sovereignty over the airspace above their territories, as well as Article 3(c), which prohibits state aircraft from flying over another state’s territory without authorization.
The Cambodian Foreign Ministry also said the alleged intrusion violated Point 6 of the De-escalation Measures contained in the Joint Statement of the 3rd Special Meeting of the General Border Committee (GBC), signed by Cambodia and Thailand on December 27, 2025.
The Royal Government of Cambodia has demanded that Thailand immediately cease such actions and honour its commitment to de-escalation, mutual trust and the peaceful settlement of disputes.
Cambodia said these steps are necessary to restore peace, stability and good-neighbourly relations along the Cambodia-Thailand border.
The government also reaffirmed its commitment to resolving border issues peacefully and maintaining friendly relations between the two neighbouring countries.
The latest protest comes amid continued diplomatic tensions over the Cambodia-Thailand border, despite the ceasefire and mechanisms established by both sides to help manage the situation.
Cambodia has continued to call for disputes to be addressed through peaceful means and existing bilateral mechanisms.
