AKP Phnom Penh, May 30, 2026 —
The Royal Government of Cambodia has lodged a formal protest against Thailand’s continued violations of Cambodia’s sovereignty and territorial integrity in areas occupied by Thai armed forces since Dec. 27, 2025.
According to a press release issued this evening by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, the latest protest concerns the construction of at least 36 Buddha statues at several locations in Preah Vihear and Oddar Meanchey provinces, as well as the installation of two flagpoles in Preah Vihear Province.
Cambodia stated that since the ceasefire agreement of Dec. 27, 2025, Thai forces have gradually consolidated their control over the occupied areas through the construction of roads and other permanent structures, the installation of large Buddha statues, containers, barbed wire barriers, and flagpoles, as well as the organisation of cultural and tourism activities.
These actions cannot be regarded as measures to maintain military positions. Rather, they clearly contradict the measures set out in Item I of the Joint Statement of the 3rd Special Meeting of the General Border Committee (GBC) on Dec. 27, 2025, particularly Point 2 and 3:
Point 2 states "Both sides agree to maintain current troop deployments without further movement. There shall be no troop movements, including patrol towards the other side's position"; and
Point 3 states "Both sides agree that all arrangements under this Joint Statement are without prejudice to the border demarcation and international boundary between the two countries. Both sides agree to refer to the Joint Boundary Commission to resume, at the earliest, the survey and demarcation work, in accordance with existing agreements between the two countries to achieve lasting peace along the border Bo sides agree to utilise Joint Boundary Commission's existing mechanisms to ensure safety and security of the joint survey team on the ground, including its satety from landmines. Both sides agree that the Joint Boundary Commission will accord the first and foremost priority for the immediate survey and demarcation works in the affected border areas where the civilians resided."
Cambodia reiterated that it does not recognise any boundary line established through the use of force or any unilateral territorial claim asserted by Thailand, emphasising that the ongoing activities do not affect Cambodia’s legal rights and position regarding its international borders.
The Royal Government also called on Thailand to fully implement its commitments under the Joint Statement, particularly efforts to resume border survey and demarcation work through the Joint Boundary Commission (JBC) and to facilitate the safe return of affected civilians.
Cambodia urged Thailand to help restore mutual trust and confidence and to promote peace, stability, and good-neighbourly relations along the common border in accordance with international law, the United Nations Charter, the ASEAN Charter, and the Treaty of Amity and Cooperation in Southeast Asia.

By C. Nika