AKP Phnom Penh, February 24, 2026 --​​ The State Secretariat of Border Affairs of Cambodia announced that on Feb. 23, the Joint Commission on Demarcation for Land Boundary (JBC) on the Cambodian side submitted a new Note Verbale to its Thai counterpart, proposing concrete steps to resume joint border survey and demarcation work while strongly protesting alleged violations of Cambodian sovereignty.

According to the statement, Cambodia proposed dispatching Joint Survey Teams (JSTs) from both countries between Mar. 1 and 7, 2026 to resume the emplacement of temporary boundary markers and to replace 15 boundary pillars in their original locations and specifications. The proposed work would cover boundary segments between pillars No. 42–47 in O’Chrov district, Banteay Meanchey province, and pillars No. 52-59 in Kamrieng district, Battambang province.

Cambodia further proposed that JSTs conduct surveys and place temporary markers between Mar. 8 and 15, 2026 along boundary segments between pillars No. 33-37 in the Boeung Trakuon area, including the Thmar Da International Point of Entry and nearby border areas in Veal Veng district, Pursat province.

In addition, Cambodia suggested conducting joint surveys and demarcation work on boundary segments defined by streams, rivers, and straight boundary lines during the same period, in accordance with the Agreed Minutes of the 6th Meeting of the Cambodian-Thai Joint Commission on Demarcation held in Phnom Penh on June 15, 2025.

The Cambodian side also proposed convening the 12th meeting of the Cambodian-Thai Operational Group and the 5th meeting of the Joint Technical Sub-Commission during the first week of March 2026, followed by a special meeting of the Joint Commission during the second week of March.

At the same time, the JBC (Cambodian Side) lodged a strong protest against what it described as invasion activities and illegal occupation of Cambodian territory by Thai military forces. The statement cited alleged actions including drone flights, the laying of barbed wire, placement of shipping containers, planting of flags, digging of canals, construction of roads and trenches, alteration of border environments near the Tamone Temples Complex and Preah Vihear Temple areas, destruction of civilian homes and property, and restrictions preventing Cambodian citizens from returning to their residences.

Cambodia stated that these actions constitute serious violations of international law, including the UN Charter, the ASEAN Charter, the 2000 Memorandum of Understanding, agreed minutes of JBC meetings, and the commission’s mandate.

The State Secretariat reaffirmed Cambodia’s firm position in safeguarding the Cambodia-Thailand international boundary based on historical treaties, conventions, maps, and legal principles, including uti possidetis juris. It stressed that Cambodia will continue land surveying and demarcation work with Thailand at the earliest opportunity to achieve lasting peace along the border, while rejecting any alteration of the boundary resulting from the use of force.

The Secretariat called on the Cambodian public to place full trust in the Royal Government of Cambodia and the Joint Commission on Demarcation, reaffirming their commitment to professionalism, national sovereignty, and territorial integrity.

By C. Nika