Cambodia Issues Formal Protest to Thailand Over Unauthorized Military Visit at O’Smach Border Zone

Phnom Penh, February 5, 2026 – The Cambodian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation has lodged a formal and solemn protest with Thailand following an unauthorized field visit on February 2 by a delegation of foreign military attachés and police officials, led by Lieutenant General Teeranan Nandhakwang, Director-General of Intelligence of the Royal Thai Army, to two hotels located in O’Smach, Oddar Meanchey district.

Context

This incursion took place at the O’Smach Resort and Royal Hill hotels, only 397 meters from the international border checkpoint of O’Smach, adjacent to Border Marker No. 15—an area under de facto Thai control since the bilateral military offensive from December 7 to 27, 2025.

On the Thai side, the delegation—which included representatives from 20 countries such as the United States, Malaysia, and Vietnam, along with FBI agents—aimed to inspect alleged sites of transnational scam operations, reportedly uncovering evidence of fake government offices and fraudulent equipment.

Violation of Cambodian Sovereignty

The Royal Government of Cambodia denounces this as a blatant violation of its sovereignty and territorial integrity, calling the operation an illegitimate exercise of Thai authority in contradiction with the United Nations Charter and the ASEAN Charter. Phnom Penh firmly rejects any attempt to legitimize the ongoing military occupation of the enclave, internationally recognized as Cambodian territory since 2002.

Roots of the Border Conflict

This dispute arises from a tense escalation at the end of 2025, marked by armed clashes at O’Smach involving explosive drones and large-scale troop movements, which ended with a ceasefire brokered by the General Border Committee (GBC) on December 27. Cambodia accuses Bangkok of exploiting the fight against cybercrime to strengthen its hold on the area, despite repeated but ignored requests for joint cooperation.

Cambodia’s Firm Position

While strongly condemning these actions, the Kingdom reaffirms its unwavering commitment to a peaceful resolution of border disputes with all neighboring countries, in accordance with international law, and rejects any alteration of borders by force.

Bilateral meetings, such as the Regional Border Committee session held on February 3 in Choam-Sa Ngam, highlight ongoing diplomatic efforts, though vigilance remains essential in the face of continued provocations.