AKP Phnom Penh, April 10, 2026 --

Cambodia has strongly protested the unlawful activities carried out by Thai armed forces in border areas of Battambang and Oddar Meanchey provinces, which have been illegally occupied since December 2025.

In a press release issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation this evening, the Royal Government of Cambodia cited several incidents, including the planting of the Thai national flag atop the eastern embankment of the second canal in Sangkat O’Smach, Samraong city, Oddar Meanchey province, on April 6; the unilateral construction of border fences between Boundary Pillars 52 and 54 starting April 2; and the unauthorised visit on April 7, 2026 by a group of Thai and foreign media, led by Thailand's Air Chief Marshal Prapas Sornchaidee, to the Royal Hill Hotel and the Royal O’Smach Hotel and Resort in Sangkat O’Smach.

According to the statement, these actions assert Thailand’s administrative authority and constitute violations of Cambodia’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, as well as agreed de-escalation measures under the Joint Statement of the 3rd Special General Border Committee Meeting held on Dec. 27, 2025.

Cambodia also stressed that the construction of border fences contravenes the mandate of the Joint Boundary Commission (JBC) and ongoing efforts by both sides to manage border demarcation through agreed mechanisms. It further rejected any justification of such actions under the pretext of crime prevention.

The Royal Government reiterated that it does not recognise or accept any boundary line or territorial claim unilaterally asserted by Thailand. Furthermore, the aforementioned activities shall not prejudice to the legal rights or position of the Kingdom of Cambodia with respect to the demarcation of its international boundary.

Cambodia called on Thailand to immediately cease the activities and refrain from further unilateral actions, emphasising the need to de-escalate tensions, build mutual trust, and maintain peace and stability along the shared border. The Kingdom reaffirmed its commitment to resolving all border disputes peacefully in accordance with international law and existing bilateral agreements.

By C. Nika