Cambodia Reaffirms Sovereignty Claims in Protest to Thailand
Cambodia Reaffirms Sovereignty Claims in Protest to Thailand
PHNOM PENH, May 30, 2026 — Cambodia has formally protested what it described as Thailand’s continued violations of Cambodian sovereignty and territorial integrity in border areas that Phnom Penh says have been illegally occupied by Thai forces since the ceasefire agreement of Dec. 27, 2025.
According to a statement issued by Cambodia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation on Friday, the latest protest concerns the construction of at least 36 Buddha statues at multiple locations in Preah Vihear and Oddar Meanchey provinces, as well as the installation of two flagpoles in Preah Vihear Province.
The Cambodian government said that since the Dec. 27, 2025 ceasefire, Thai military forces have progressively strengthened their presence in the disputed areas through the construction of roads, large Buddha statues, flagpoles, container barriers, barbed-wire installations and the organization of cultural and tourism-related activities.
Phnom Penh argued that such activities go beyond maintaining existing military positions and are inconsistent with commitments contained in the Joint Statement of the 3rd Special Meeting of the Cambodia–Thailand General Border Committee (GBC) signed on Dec. 27, 2025. Cambodia specifically cited provisions requiring both sides to maintain existing troop deployments without further movement and to ensure that all temporary arrangements do not prejudice future boundary demarcation efforts.
The statement also reiterated Cambodia’s position that it does not recognize any boundary line established through the use of force or any unilateral territorial claim. The government said the activities undertaken by Thailand would not affect Cambodia’s legal rights or position regarding its internationally recognized borders.
Cambodia further called on Thailand to fully implement the commitments made under the GBC Joint Statement and to help restore mutual trust and confidence between the two countries. Phnom Penh said border issues should be addressed in accordance with international law, the United Nations Charter, the ASEAN Charter and the Treaty of Amity and Cooperation in Southeast Asia.
The protest marks Cambodia’s latest diplomatic response to ongoing tensions along the Cambodia–Thailand border, where both countries have continued to exchange accusations over activities in contested areas despite the ceasefire agreement reached late last year.
