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Cambodia Lodges Strong Protest Over Thai Military Actions at Border

Terry Felix​​​​   On January 18, 2026 - 4:20 am​   In Asia Pacific  
Cambodia Lodges Strong Protest Over Thai Military Actions at Border Cambodia Lodges Strong Protest Over Thai Military Actions at Border

PHNOM PENH, Jan 18, 2026 — Cambodia has lodged a strong protest against actions by the Thai armed forces that it says have altered the security situation near civilian areas and undermined agreed de-escalation measures, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation said on Friday.

In a statement, the ministry said Thai military actions had consolidated control and created new facts on the ground, directly hindering de-escalation efforts and delaying the safe and dignified return of civilians to their homes and properties.

The statement cited the laying of barbed wire near the Thmor Da International Point of Entry in Pursat province on Jan. 16 as a specific incident raising serious concerns over Cambodia’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.

Cambodia said the actions were inconsistent with Item I of the Joint Statement agreed at the 3rd Special Meeting of the Cambodia–Thailand General Border Committee (GBC) on Dec. 27, 2025, which was intended to de-escalate tensions, restore normal civilian life and pursue peaceful dispute resolution.

The foreign ministry stressed that the joint statement was designed to prevent the entrenchment of military presence, not to expand it.

Cambodia called on Thailand to fully and in good faith implement all provisions of the Dec. 27 agreement and related accords, reaffirming its commitment to resolving border and boundary issues peacefully, in accordance with international law and existing bilateral agreements.

“Borders must not be altered by force,” the ministry said.

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