AKP Phnom Penh, February 09, 2026 --

The Royal Government of Cambodia on Monday issued a stern rebuke of Thailand’s recent military activities along the shared frontier, accusing the latter of violating century-old treaties and modern de-escalation agreements.

In a briefing titled "Update on the Cambodia-Thailand Border Situation," the Royal Government Spokesperson H.E. Pen Bona outlined a formal diplomatic protest filed on Feb. 8. The move follows reports of Thai armed forces deploying shipping containers as barriers and constructing roads within Cambodian territory – specifically in Oddar Meanchey and Pursat provinces.

Cambodia asserts that the occupied areas fall strictly within its borders under the 1904 Franco-Siamese Convention and the 1907 Treaty. The spokesperson characterised the Thai military’s actions as a "deliberate attempt" to create a "new reality" on the ground, following a period of heightened tensions in late 2025.

The dispute has also extended to cultural heritage. The Ministry of Culture and Fine Arts on Sunday categorically rejected Thai claims over the Ta Krabey and Ta Mone temple complexes. 

Cambodia maintains these sites are under its total sovereignty, citing the same legal precedents used by the International Court of Justice (ICJ) in the landmark 1962 Preah Vihear ruling.

Despite the friction, the Cambodian Royal Government signaled a preference for diplomacy over military confrontation. H.E. Pen Bona emphasised that any unilateral maps or unauthorised restoration of historic sites by Thailand would be considered a breach of the 2000 Memorandum of Understanding (MOU).

"Cambodia remains committed to the principle of uti possidetis juris – the preservation of established international boundaries," the statement read. "We call on the Thai side to immediately cease all violations and return to the framework of the Joint Border Commission (JBC)."

The international community, including ASEAN members, has reportedly urged both nations to adhere to a ceasefire and resolve the demarcation issues through existing bilateral mechanisms.

Cambodia will not recognise any border changes resulting from military action.

By K. Rithy Reak