AKP Phnom Penh, March 18, 2026 --

Cambodia has lodged another formal protest against continued acts of encroachment and unlawful occupation by Thai armed forces in several border areas, in violation of its sovereignty and territorial integrity.

In a press release issued on Wednesday, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation stated that the activities have occurred after the Dec. 27, 2025 ceasefire, across multiple locations including Oddar Meanchey and Preah Vihear provinces.

According to the statement, Thai forces have been using heavy machinery to excavate land and construct concrete bunkers southeast of Tamone Thom Temple in Oddar Meanchey province. Similar activities, including land clearing, road construction, and the building of permanent structures, were reported in areas such as Mom Bei (Hill 469), An Seh, Ta Thav, Ta Sem, and Chak Chreng in Preah Vihear province, as well as in Thmar Daun village of Banteay Ampil district in Oddar Meanchey.

Cambodia also reported the construction of Buddha statues by Thai forces with the involvement of Thai monks in several locations, including Ta Thav and Phnom Trap in Preah Vihear, and O Smach and the K’nar Temple Complex in Oddar Meanchey.

The Ministry stressed that these areas lie entirely within Cambodian territory as defined by the Franco-Siamese Convention of 1904 and Treaty of 1907, and said the reported actions violate both the 2000 Memorandum of Understanding on border demarcation and the de-escalation commitments under the Dec. 27, 2025 Joint Statement of the General Border Committee (GBC).

Cambodia called on Thailand to immediately cease all such activities, refrain from further unilateral actions, and fully implement existing agreements in good faith to help de-escalate tensions and maintain peace and stability along the border.

The Royal Government reiterated its commitment to resolving all boundary issues peacefully and in accordance with international law and bilateral agreements, while maintaining that borders must not be altered by force.

By C. Nika