Synopsis: Phnom Penh rejects Thai military allegations regarding ancient temples while lodging a diplomatic protest over border road construction.
Cambodia has lodged a protest against Thailand over road construction and the marking of trees near the border in Oddar Meanchey province, describing the activities as violations of its sovereignty and territorial integrity.
In a press briefing on October 25, government spokesman Pen Bona outlined developments, including Cambodia’s diplomatic protests over border activities and progress in the maritime boundary conciliation process between Cambodia and Thailand.
According to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Thai armed forces used heavy machinery to construct a road in the Ta Tum area of Anlong Veng district on October 15, between boundary pillars No 9, 10 and 11. On October 17, Thai forces sprayed red markings on trees between pillars No. 10 and 11 in preparation for further road construction.
Cambodia said the activities violated its sovereignty and territorial integrity, as defined by the 1:200,000-scale maps produced under the Franco-Siamese Convention of 1904 and the Treaty of 1907.
The government also cited Article 5 of the 2000 Memorandum of Understanding on the Survey and Demarcation of the Land Boundary and de-escalation measures outlined in the Joint Statement of the third Special Meeting of the General Border Committee on December 27, 2025.
Cambodia demanded that Thailand cease the activities, refrain from unilateral actions and work to reduce tensions along the border. It reaffirmed its commitment to resolving disputes peacefully under international law and existing bilateral agreements, maintaining that borders must not be changed by force.
Bona said Cambodia, through the Ministry of Culture and Fine Arts, had rejected allegations by Thai military authorities that Cambodia had used ancient temple sites for military purposes.
Cambodia described the allegations as baseless, arguing that they diverted public attention from damage to its cultural heritage allegedly caused by Thai armed forces.
The government also protested the presence of Thai military forces and unilateral activities at Ta Moan Thom Temple, Ta Krabey Temple, Khnar Temple and other Cambodian archaeological sites along the border, saying these actions were carried out without permission.
The ministry reiterated that Cambodia does not accept any boundary line or territorial claim unilaterally asserted by Thailand, stressing that such activities would not prejudice Cambodia’s legal rights.
Cambodia remains committed to resolving all boundary disputes with Thailand through peaceful means, in accordance with international law and existing bilateral agreements, the ministry said.
