Youk Chhang Says Thai Construction at Border Threatens Regional Stability
Youk Chhang Says Thai Construction at Border Threatens Regional Stability
PHNOM PENH, March 15, 2026 — A prominent Cambodian historian and human rights advocate has warned that Thailand’s construction and infrastructure activities along disputed border areas violate international law and risk prolonging tensions between the two neighbors.
Youk Chhang, director of the Documentation Center of Cambodia (DC-Cam), said in a statement on Saturday that Thai construction activities on territory claimed by Cambodia were in breach of international legal rulings and bilateral commitments.
“Thailand’s activities of construction and infrastructure development on Cambodian territory violate international law, rulings of the International Court of Justice, the U.S.- and ASEAN-brokered ceasefire agreement, and Cambodia’s sovereignty,” he said.
Chhang argued that the situation leaves two possible outcomes: either Thailand revises its actions and works toward a peaceful settlement of the border dispute, or tensions could persist for generations.
He warned that what he described as an “aggressive nationalistic approach” to relations with Cambodia could bring long-term suffering to both countries and the wider region.
The comments come amid heightened tensions along the Cambodia–Thailand border, following clashes late in 2025 near the Preah Vihear temple area, a UNESCO World Heritage site.
The International Court of Justice ruled in 1962 and reaffirmed in 2013 that the Preah Vihear temple lies within Cambodian territory, though surrounding border areas have remained contested.
Cambodia and Thailand agreed to a ceasefire in December 2025 following several weeks of fighting, with both sides pledging to pursue peaceful dialogue to resolve outstanding boundary issues.
