Cambodia Rejects Thai Territorial Claims in New Protest Note

Terry Felix On April 19, 2026 - 5:56 pm In Asia Pacific 2mn Read

PHNOM PENH, April 19, 2026 — Cambodia has formally protested what it described as unilateral military activities by Thai armed forces along several border areas, accusing Bangkok of violating Cambodian sovereignty and territorial integrity.

In a statement issued on Sunday, Cambodia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation said it had conveyed an official protest to Thailand over actions carried out on April 18, including construction works, bunker digging, land clearing and new observation posts in multiple provinces bordering Thailand.

The Cambodian government cited locations in Preah Vihear, Oddar Meanchey and Pursat provinces, alleging Thai forces had built or expanded military-related infrastructure near sensitive frontier areas.

Among the claims, Phnom Penh said Thai troops constructed an observation post near the Preah Vihear Temple area, continued road works near Boundary Pillar No. 2 in Oddar Meanchey, dug bunkers near Chup Koki border checkpoint, and used heavy machinery for land-clearing operations in Pursat province.

Cambodia said the actions breached principles under the United Nations Charter, the ASEAN Charter and the Treaty of Amity and Cooperation in Southeast Asia, particularly commitments to peaceful dispute resolution, respect for sovereignty and refraining from the use of force.

Phnom Penh also rejected any attempt to portray the activities as defensive measures or as being consistent with agreements reached during the 3rd Special General Border Committee meeting on Dec. 27, 2025.

“The Royal Government of Cambodia does not accept any boundary line or territorial claim unilaterally asserted by Thailand,” the statement said.

Cambodia called on Thailand to refrain from further unilateral steps in the affected areas, saying de-escalation was necessary to preserve peace, stability and good neighbourly relations along the shared border.

The government reiterated its commitment to resolving all border disputes peacefully through bilateral agreements and international law, while maintaining that borders must not be changed by force.

Thailand had not immediately responded publicly to the Cambodian statement. Border tensions between the two neighbours have periodically resurfaced over undemarcated sections of their frontier, including areas near historic temple sites.