Thailand has once again failed to demonstrate goodwill regarding the implementation of the December 27 ceasefire, renewing activities which the Ministry of foreign Affairs and International Cooperation described as “illegal and provocative” in occupied territory near the Preah Vihear Temple. Their actions prompted a strong response from Cambodia.
The foreign ministry issued a press release today, April 5, stating that Cambodia has lodged a formal protest against Thailand over unlawful and repeated activities conducted by Thai armed forces in illegally occupied areas of Sra Em commune, Choam Ksan district, Preah Vihear province.
According to the ministry, Thai troops began clearing land near the Preah Vihear Temple area, north of Keo Sikha Kiri Svara Pagoda, on April 4. Thai troops also laid approximately 100 metres of barbed wire and deployed armoured personnel carriers in the Bosbov-Choam Tae area.
“These actions are neither defensive in nature nor consistent with the 27 December 2025 Joint Statement of the 3rd Special General Border Committee (GBC),” it said.
“The Royal Government of Cambodia categorically rejects any attempt to mischaracterise the situation creating a fait accompli on the ground, and strongly protests against these activities, which violate Cambodia’s sovereignty and territorial integrity under the 1904 Franco-Siamese Convention and the 1907 Treaty,” it added.
Since the December 27 ceasefire, Cambodia has opted for a peaceful resolution of the border disputes, despite the Thai military occupying several parts of Cambodian sovereign territory and carrying out provocative actions such as destroying homes, erecting razor wire barricades and placing shipping containers. Some part of the disputed areas were surveyed by Thai authorities, with land titles issued to Thai citizens.
In the press release, the ministry reiterated that Cambodia does not recognise any boundary line or territorial claim unilaterally asserted by Thailand, and stresses that the recent activities shall not prejudice Cambodia’s legal rights regarding its international border.
“Cambodia demands that Thailand immediately cease all of such unlawful activities, refrain from further unilateral actions and work to de-escalate tensions, foster mutual trust, and preserve peace and good neighbourliness along the border” said the ministry, stressing that borderlines cannot be changed by force.