PHNOM PENH: The Royal Government of Cambodia has once again lodged a strong diplomatic protest against what it describes as the continued violations of Cambodia's sovereignty and territorial integrity by Thai armed forces along the Cambodia–Thailand border, according to a press release issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation (MFAIC) on 10 July 2026. The ministry stated that the latest incidents constitute further unilateral actions that undermine existing bilateral agreements and efforts to maintain peace and stability along the shared border.

According to the Foreign Ministry, between 5 and 7 July 2026, Thai armed forces excavated land to construct an earthen embankment and installed barbed wire extending from north to south of Boundary Pillar No. 14 in Sangkat O Smach, Samraong City, Oddar Meanchey Province. The ministry further reported that on 9 July 2026, Thai troops entered Cambodian territory to lay additional barbed wire in the vicinity of Boundary Pillar No. 22 in Thmor Daun Village, Kork Morn Commune, Banteay Ampil District, Oddar Meanchey Province.

The Cambodian government maintains that these activities represent a clear violation of Cambodia's sovereignty and territorial integrity, as defined by the 1:200,000-scale maps prepared by the Franco-Siamese Boundary Delimitation Commissions pursuant to the 1904 Franco-Siamese Convention and the 1907 Franco-Siamese Treaty, which Cambodia considers the legal basis for the international boundary between the two countries.

The ministry also stated that the reported activities violate Article 5 of the 2000 Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on the Survey and Demarcation of the Land Boundary between Cambodia and Thailand, as well as Points 2 and 6 of Item I (De-escalation Measures) contained in the Joint Statement of the Third Special Meeting of the General Border Committee (GBC) signed on 27 December 2025.

In its statement, the Royal Government of Cambodia reiterated that it does not recognize any boundary line or territorial claim unilaterally asserted by Thailand, stressing that the activities carried out by Thai forces cannot prejudice Cambodia's legal rights or alter its internationally recognized boundary.

Cambodia also called on Thailand to immediately cease all such activities, not only in the locations mentioned in the statement but also in any other areas that Cambodia says have been unlawfully occupied by Thai forces since last year. Phnom Penh said such actions are necessary to help de-escalate tensions, restore mutual trust, facilitate the peaceful settlement of disputes, and promote stability and good-neighbourly relations along the Cambodia–Thailand border.

The Foreign Ministry reaffirmed that Cambodia remains firmly committed to resolving all border disputes with Thailand, as with all neighbouring countries, exclusively through peaceful means, in accordance with international law and existing bilateral agreements. The government also reiterated its principled position that international borders must not be altered by force or unilateral actions.