Cambodia Protests Thailand’s ‘Illegal Occupation’ of Heritage Sites
Cambodia Protests Thailand’s ‘Illegal Occupation’ of Heritage Sites
PHNOM PENH, April 13, 2026 — Cambodia has strongly protested what it described as Thailand’s illegal occupation of cultural heritage sites within its territory, calling for the immediate withdrawal of Thai personnel and activities.
In a statement, the Ministry of Culture and Fine Arts said Thailand had deployed armed forces and carried out construction activities in areas it said fall under Cambodian sovereignty, including the Prasat Ta Mone Thom, Prasat Ta Krabei, Prasat Khnar and other related sites located within Cambodia’s sovereign territory.
The ministry expressed “serious concern” over the presence of Thai authorities and the development of infrastructure such as roads and monuments in the disputed areas, describing the actions as creating “facts on the ground” and violating Cambodia’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.
It said the activities also contravened international agreements, including the 1907 Franco-Siamese Treaty, as well as other bilateral frameworks and international legal principles governing border demarcation and cultural heritage protection.
Cambodia called on Thailand to immediately halt all activities, withdraw its armed forces and officials, and respect Cambodia’s sovereignty.
The statement added that Cambodia remains committed to resolving disputes peacefully and urged Thailand to engage constructively through existing bilateral mechanisms, including the Joint Boundary Commission (JBC).
The protest comes amid heightened sensitivities over border issues and heritage protection, with Phnom Penh calling for adherence to international law and the safeguarding of cultural heritage sites.
