AKP Phnom Penh, January 15, 2026 -- The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation of Cambodia has issued a formal diplomatic protest to Thailand over a naval incident earlier this month, denouncing it as a breach of Cambodian sovereignty.

In an official note verbale delivered to the Thai Embassy in Phnom Penh, the ministry condemned the Royal Thai Navy’s seizure of a Cambodian fishing vessel and the detention of its four crew members. The incident occurred on Jan. 6, 2026, at approximately 11:30 a.m. local time at coordinates 11°33’30”N, 102°51’39”E—an area Cambodia asserts lies within its territorial waters.

While acknowledging the release of the fishermen on Jan. 11, the Royal Government of Cambodia demanded the immediate return of the confiscated boat and all fishing equipment. The ministry characterised the Thai operation as a “violation of Cambodia’s sovereignty and jurisdiction” and called on Thai authorities to prevent any recurrence to avoid escalation.

In its communication, the Cambodian ministry reaffirmed its commitment to resolving bilateral issues through peaceful dialogue and in accordance with international law.

By K. Rithy Reak