AKP Phnom Penh, January 22, 2026 -- The Ministry of Cult and Religion has issued a strong protest against the Thai military’s installation of a Buddha statue in an area within Cambodia’s sovereign territory in Preah Vihear province.

In a statement released on Jan. 22, the Ministry said the protest was made in accordance with a press release issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation on Jan. 21, 2026, regarding activities undertaken by Thai armed forces in occupied areas.

According to the Ministry of Cult and Religion, the Thai military installed the Buddha statue in An Ses village, Choam Ksan commune, Choam Ksan district. The Ministry said the action was carried out at the site where a statue of Lord Vishnu had previously been destroyed by Thai military forces.

The Ministry stated that the installation of the Buddha statue constitutes a violation of Cambodia’s sovereignty and is contrary to fundamental principles of international law that prohibit the acquisition of territory through the use of force.

It further noted that the action contradicts Thailand’s commitments to the peaceful resolution of disputes under the Ceasefire Agreement of July 28, 2025, the minutes of previous meetings of the General Border Committee, the Joint Declaration on Peace and Peaceful Dispute Resolution dated Oct. 26, 2025, and the Joint Statement of the Special Meeting of the General Border Committee on Dec. 27, 2025.

The Ministry emphasised that these agreements reaffirm the obligation of both parties to refrain from unilateral measures and called on the Thai military to fully respect international law and comply with its obligations under existing treaties and agreements.

By C. Nika