AKP Phnom Penh, January 21, 2026 --

The Royal Government of Cambodia registers its strong protest against the continued activities undertaken by the Thai Armed Forces, which raise serious concerns regarding Cambodia’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, said the Government Spokesperson. 

“Their activities are inconsistent with the de-escalation measures set out in Item 1 of the Joint Statement of the 3rd Special Meeting of the Cambodia-Thailand General Border Committee (GBC) dated Dec. 27, 2025,” said H.E. Pen Bona, Spokesperson of the Royal Government of Cambodia. 

According to the Spokesperson, the activities of concern carried out on Jan. 19, 2026 include:

 1. The installation of a Buddha statue on the pedestal where the statue of Lord Vishnu had previously stood before being destroyed by Thai military personnel in An Ses area of Preah Vihear province;
 2. The installation of two additional containers to block road access in the Boeung Trakuon area of Banteay Meanchey

rovince;
 3. The construction of bunkers using heavy machinery in the Boeung Trakuon area.

“In this context, Cambodia calls upon Thailand to implement, in good faith and in full, the provisions of the Joint Statement of the 3rd Special General Border Committee (GBC) Meeting of Dec. 27, 2025, as well as other relevant agreements and arrangements aimed at de-escalating the situation, building trust and confidence, and restoring peace along the border between the two countries,” he said.

In addition, the Spokesperson recalled, on Jan. 17, 2026, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation registered Cambodia’s strong protest against actions undertaken by the Thai Armed Forces that altered the security environment in and around civilian areas, consolidated military control, or created new facts on the ground. These actions directly undermine de-escalation efforts and hinder the safe and dignified return of civilians to their homes and properties. Such actions include the laying of barbed wire in the area of the Thmar Da International Point of Entry in Pursat province on Jan. 16, 2026.

H.E. Pen Bona also re-emphasised that Cambodia, as a peace-loving country, remains firmly committed to faithfully respecting the ceasefire and resolving border issues by peaceful means, in accordance with international law and the spirit of the Joint Statement dated December 27, 2025, as well as previous agreements.

Cambodia maintains its firm position in safeguarding the Cambodia-Thailand international boundary as inherited from the Commission of Delimitation of the Boundary between Indo-China and Siam, in full respect of international law principles, the principle of intangibility of frontiers (Uti Possidetis Juris), the Franco-Siamese conventions and treaties, the maps, and the procès-verbaux of the Commission of the Abornement of the Boundary between Indo-China and Siam, as well as all relevant agreements and documents mutually agreed upon by both parties.

“Cambodia will not recognise any alteration of the boundary line resulting from unilateral actions,” the Spokesperson reaffirmed. 

By C. Nika