FBI Denies Involvement in Thai-Led Visit Inside Cambodian Territory

FBI Denies Involvement in Thai-Led Visit Inside Cambodian Territory

PHNOM PENH, Feb. 5, 2026 — The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) has formally told senior Cambodian officials that no FBI personnel took part in a Thai-led field visit inside Cambodian territory, rejecting Thai media reports that claimed U.S. involvement, Cambodian local media reported on Thursday.

According to report, FBI representatives described the reports as false, after Thai outlets reported on Feb. 2 that Thailand’s military intelligence chief had led foreign military attachés from around 20 countries — including FBI officers — to inspect two hotels near the O Smach border area in northwestern Cambodia.

Cambodia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation has already lodged a formal protest against the visit, saying it was conducted without Cambodia’s consent and constituted a violation of the country’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.

The hotels inspected are located about 397 metres from the O Smach international checkpoint, near border pillar No. 15, in an area Cambodia says has been occupied by Thai armed forces following military operations between Dec. 7 and Dec. 27, 2025.

Cambodia has categorically rejected the operation and accused the Royal Thai Army of unlawfully exercising sovereignty on Cambodian soil, arguing the visit violated the UN Charter and ASEAN Charter and amounted to an attempt to legitimize Thailand’s occupation of Cambodian territory.

Phnom Penh reiterated it remains committed to resolving boundary disputes peacefully in line with international law, while insisting that borders must not be altered by force.