AKP Phnom Penh, January 17, 2026 --

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation (MFAIC) has registered Cambodia's strong protest against the actions undertaken by the Thai armed forces that alter the security environment in or around civilian areas, consolidate military control, or create new facts on the ground.

“These actions thereby directly undermine de-escalation efforts and hinder the safe and dignified return of civilians to their homes and properties,” underlined the MFAIC in a press release made public this evening. 

This includes laying barbed wire in the area of Thmar Da International Point of Entry of Pursat province of Cambodia on Jan. 16, 2026, it said, emphaising that such actions raise serious concerns over Cambodia's sovereignty and territory integrity and are inconsistent with the de-escalation measure set out in Item I of the Joint Statement of the 3rd Special Meeting of the General Border Committee (GBC) of Dec. 27, 2025.

According to the release, the Joint Statement of Dec. 27, 2025 was agreed upon as a comprehensive and mutually reinforcing framework with the primary objective to de-escalate the situation, protect and restore normal civilian life, and peaceful resolution of disputes and not to entrench military presence.

In this context, the source added, Cambodia calls on Thailand to fully and in good faith implement all the provisions of the Joint Statement of the 3rd Special GBC Meeting of Dec. 27, 2025, and relevant agreements. 

“Cambodia reaffirms its commitment to resolving border and boundary issues with Thailand peacefully, in accordance with international law and existing bilateral agreements while firmly upholding the principle that borders must not be altered by force,” the MFAIC concluded. 

By C. Nika