AKP Phnom Penh, April 19, 2026 --

Cambodia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation has issued a formal protest against new activities by Thai armed forces aimed at consolidating an illegal occupation in violation of Cambodia’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.

In a press release issued on Sunday evening, the Ministry said the protest concerns activities carried out on 18 April 2026 in several areas along the Cambodia-Thailand border, including in Preah Vihear, Oddar Meanchey, and Pursat provinces.

According to the statement, in Preah Vihear province, Thai forces allegedly constructed an observation post in the Preah Vihear Temple area in Sra Em commune, Choam Ksan district.

In Oddar Meanchey province, Thai forces continued road construction near Boundary Pillar No. 2 in Anlong Veng district and in the Doeum Ta Trav area of Trapeng Prasat district. The statement added that Thai troops dug bunkers near the Chup Koki International Border Checkpoint in Banteay Ampil district.

Additional construction activities were reported in Sangkat Kon Kriel, Samraong city, where Thailand was accused of building an observation post east of the Chup Doeum Knul area and continued land-clearing activities, north of the same area. In the Thmar Daun area, Thai forces were said to have continued building a concrete walkway, while also constructing bunkers and a road east of the Thmar Daun border checkpoint.

In Pursat Province, Thai forces used heavy machinery for further land-clearing in the O Plouk Damrey area of Veal Veng district.

The Ministry stated that such actions violate Thailand’s commitments under the United Nations Charter, the ASEAN Charter, and the Treaty of Amity and Cooperation in Southeast Asia, particularly principles relating to peaceful dispute resolution, respect for sovereignty, and refraining from the use of force.

Cambodia rejected any characterisation of the activities as defensive or consistent with agreements reached in the Joint Statement of the 3rd Special General Border Committee Meeting on Dec. 27, 2025.

The Royal Government of Cambodia reaffirmed that it does not recognise any boundary line or territorial claim unilaterally asserted by Thailand, and said the reported activities would not affect Cambodia’s legal rights or position regarding its international boundary.

Cambodia called on Thailand to halt further unilateral actions in the disputed areas in order to reduce tensions, build trust, and preserve peace and good neighbourly relations along the shared border.

The Ministry also reiterated Cambodia’s commitment to resolving all border disputes peacefully through international law and bilateral agreements, while maintaining that borders must not be changed by force.

By C. Nika