Tensions between Cambodia and Thailand have flared once again as Cambodia has accused Thailand of making unilateral claims on their shared border. In a statement released on June 27, Cambodia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation alleged that Thai military forces have violated bilateral agreements by conducting operations in Cambodian territory, specifically near Border Marker No. 26 in the Banteay Ampil district of Oddar Meanchey province. These actions, according to Cambodia, have heightened diplomatic tensions between the two neighboring countries.
The Cambodian government claims that since early June, Thai soldiers have been engaging in activities such as clearing forested lands and erecting barbed wire in the disputed area. Phnom Penh contends that these activities are attempts by Thailand to alter the existing boundary, effectively extending its territorial claims into Cambodia. Cambodia has asserted that it does not recognize the border line claimed by Thailand, emphasizing that the disputed area should remain under the jurisdiction of jointly agreed border demarcation processes.
Cambodia further argues that Thailand’s current actions are in violation of Article 5 of the 2000 Memorandum of Understanding, which governs land border surveys and demarcation. This memorandum, along with commitments made during the Third Extraordinary Meeting of the General Border Committee in December 2025, calls for such issues to be resolved through established bilateral mechanisms. Cambodian authorities have urged Thailand to cease these unilateral actions and adhere to the agreed-upon procedures for resolving outstanding disputes peacefully.
According to Pen Bona, a Cambodian government spokesperson, Cambodia has issued 42 diplomatic protests since July 2025 concerning alleged border encroachments by Thailand. Additionally, Phnom Penh has sent nine diplomatic notes requesting the convening of the Joint Boundary Commission and the deployment of Joint Survey Teams to continue technical work on the ground. Cambodian officials emphasize that these efforts aim to reduce tensions and advance the border demarcation process through dialogue rather than unilateral measures.
Cambodia insists that the border should be determined using the 1:200,000-scale maps established under the 1904 Franco-Siamese Convention and the 1907 Franco-Siamese Treaty. The Cambodian authorities have criticized Thailand for utilizing different 1:50,000-scale maps, which they claim were created unilaterally and do not align with mutually recognized agreements. As of now, Thai authorities have yet to publicly respond to Cambodia’s latest statement, leaving the border dispute unresolved.