AKP Phnom Penh, April 03, 2026 --

The Royal Government of Cambodia has formally lodged a protest against what unlawful actions by Thai forces in several border areas, according to a press release issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation on the evening of April 3.

The statement said the incidents occurred between Mar. 31 and April 2, 2026, in Chouk Chey village in Banteay Meanchey province, as well as at the O’Smach International Border Gate in Samraong city and in Anlong Veng district, Oddar Meanchey province.

Cambodia reported that Thai Burapha forces led a group of Thai citizens to conduct land-ownership verification activities along the border area between boundary pillars 45 and 47 in Chouk Chey village. The Ministry said the move amounted to an attempt to create a “fait accompli” and pre-empt the outcome of ongoing demarcation work by the Joint Boundary Commissions of both countries.

The statement also noted that on April 2, around 70 Thai military personnel, supported by two armoured vehicles, were deployed at the O’Smach International Border Gate, where they allegedly installed additional barbed wire. On the same day, Thai forces were also reported to have used heavy machinery to clear land near Boundary Pillar No. 2 in Anlong Veng district.

Cambodia stated that these actions could not be considered defensive and were not in line with the Joint Statement of the 3rd Special General Border Committee (GBC) Meeting held on Dec. 27, 2025. The Ministry added that the activities contravene agreed de-escalation measures and existing bilateral commitments.

The Royal Government of Cambodia reaffirmed that it does not recognise any unilaterally asserted boundary lines or territorial claims.

It further reiterated its commitment to resolving border disputes with Thailand peacefully through diplomatic means and international law, while maintaining that national borders must not be altered by force.

By C. Nika