PHNOM PENH, June 19, 2026 — Cambodia's Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation on Friday issued a strong protest against what it described as a series of actions by the Thai armed forces that constitute violations of Cambodia's sovereignty and territorial integrity. The protest comes amid continuing tensions along the Cambodia–Thailand border, which have remained under close public and international scrutiny.

According to the ministry's statement, on June 17, 2026, Thai armed forces raised and flew the Thai national flag in an area that Cambodia maintains lies within its sovereign territory near the Thma Da International Border Gate in Veal Veng district, Pursat province. Cambodia described the move as a unilateral act that could create misunderstandings regarding the border situation and negatively affect the good-neighborly relations between the two countries.

On the same day, Cambodia also raised concerns over a warehouse located within the Royal O Smach Hotel and Resort compound in O'Smach commune, Samrong city, Oddar Meanchey province, which was reportedly set on fire deliberately. Cambodian authorities asserted that the site is located within Cambodian territory but is currently under what they described as illegal occupation by Thai armed forces. Cambodia noted that it has previously lodged protests regarding Thai military activities in the O'Smach area and several other border locations.

In addition, Cambodia alleged that Thai armed forces had constructed a concrete barrier near Ta Krabei Temple, located in Banteay Ampil district, Oddar Meanchey province. Cambodian officials argued that the construction of infrastructure or permanent structures in disputed areas, or in territories Cambodia claims as its sovereign land, runs counter to efforts aimed at maintaining stability and reducing tensions along the border.

Cambodia further noted that it had previously protested against the construction of statues, flagpoles, and other infrastructure by Thai authorities in several border areas.

In its statement, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs emphasized that all of the aforementioned actions constitute "clear violations" of Cambodia's sovereignty and territorial integrity, as defined by the 1:200,000 scale maps prepared by the Franco-Siamese Mixed Boundary Commission, in accordance with the 1904 Franco-Siamese Convention and the 1907 Franco-Siamese Treaty, which Cambodia regards as the legal basis for the delimitation of the border between the two countries.

The Cambodian government also rejected any interpretation suggesting that these activities are consistent with the first point on tension-reduction measures outlined in the Joint Statement adopted during the Third Extraordinary Meeting of the General Border Committee (GBC) on December 27, 2025.

According to Cambodia, such actions contradict both the letter and spirit of the 2000 Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on the Survey and Demarcation of the Land Boundary between Cambodia and Thailand, which both sides agreed to use as the framework for peacefully resolving border issues.

The Royal Government of Cambodia reiterated that it does not recognize any attempt to create "new facts on the ground" through the use of force or unilateral actions. It stressed that such activities cannot alter international borders or undermine Cambodia's sovereign rights.

Cambodia reaffirmed its commitment to resolving disputes peacefully, in accordance with international law, the Charter of the United Nations, and existing bilateral mechanisms.

The statement comes amid ongoing differences between Cambodia and Thailand over several border issues, despite both governments repeatedly expressing their commitment to maintaining peace and seeking solutions through dialogue and diplomatic channels.

In May 2026, leaders of both countries held discussions and reaffirmed their intention to strengthen mutual trust and avoid further escalation of tensions along the shared border. However, Cambodia's latest protest underscores that significant disagreements remain over territorial claims and activities in sensitive border areas.