Thai Incursion into Cambodian Lands: 14 Areas Illegally Occupied

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation of Cambodia issued a firm statement on Friday denouncing new Thai military incursions onto Cambodian soil.

Fourteen areas located in four border provinces are now reportedly under the effective control of the Thai army, in violation of the ceasefire agreements currently in force.

According to the communiqué, the Royal Thai Armed Forces conducted, from 7 to 27 December 2025, a series of coordinated and large-scale operations along the international border, openly violating Cambodia’s sovereignty and territorial integrity. Some of these areas—recognized as Cambodian under international law—were invaded and occupied by force in the provinces of Banteay Meanchey, Pursat, Preah Vihear, and Oddâr Meanchey.

List of Occupied Zones

Among the areas cited are:

• Prey Chan, Chouk Chey, and Boeung Trakuon in Banteay Meanchey;

• Phluk Domrei and the international border checkpoint of Thmâr Da in Pursat;

• An Ses, Ta Thav, and Phnom Troap in Preah Vihear;

• The O’Smach sector and several historic temples in Oddâr Meanchey.

An affront to international law

The Cambodian government vigorously protested these “flagrant violations,” highlighting the illegal presence and continued military activities within Cambodian territory. According to the Ministry, these acts defy the Joint Border Committee (GBC) Communiqué of 27 December 2025, which prohibits any provocation and the use of force against civilians or cultural property.

Authorities specifically denounced the destruction of homes and Khmer cultural structures in the border villages and near the Thmâr Da post. Many residents have been forced into exile and are being prevented from returning home—a situation Phnom Penh characterizes as a direct violation of international humanitarian law and human rights.

The ministry cites several key legal provisions:

• Articles 2(3) and 2(4) of the UN Charter, which prohibit the use of force against the territorial integrity of any state;

• Article 53 of the Fourth Geneva Convention (1949), forbidding the destruction of civilian property without military necessity;

• Article 52 of Additional Protocol I (1977), proscribing attacks on civilian objects.

Clearly Defined Borders

Phnom Penh reminded that the land border between the two kingdoms is clearly delimited by the treaties of 1904 and 1907. The Joint Border Commissions (JBC) of both countries have been working for years on demarcation under these historic agreements. The Cambodian side has formally protested to its Thai counterpart, denouncing violations of the JBC mandate and attempts to create “facts on the ground.”

Cambodian authorities emphasize that any occupation obtained by force is illegal, devoid of legal value, and contrary to the fundamental principle of international law that forbids the acquisition of territory through coercion. “No administrative act or territorial control exercised as a result of such occupation can produce legal effect,” the communiqué stresses.

Phnom Penh Calls for Peace

Cambodia calls on Thailand to immediately cease its military activities along the common border, withdraw its troops, and respect bilateral demarcation mechanisms. The Cambodian government reaffirms its commitment to honoring the spirit of the peace agreements — including the 28 July 2025 ceasefire, the Joint Declaration of Kuala Lumpur (26 October 2025), and the GBC Joint Communiqué (27 December 2025).

Faithful to a diplomacy of peace and regional cooperation, Phnom Penh reiterates its ongoing commitment to resolving all disputes through peaceful means and in strict accordance with international law. The Kingdom also wants the international community to play an active role in encouraging Thailand to comply with its commitments and to prevent further dangerous escalation along an already sensitive border.