Press Briefing: Update on the Development of the Situation between Cambodia and Thailand
11:00 AM, March 14, 2026
Samdech, Royal Highness, Excellencies, Ladies and Gentlemen, Good Morning!
On 13 of March 2026, Cambodia has lodged formal protests against a series of unlawful activities recently carried out by the Thai Armed Forces in violation of Cambodia’s sovereignty and territorial integrity at several locations along the border between the two countries.
In fact, between 23 and 25 February 2026, Thai military personnel and civilians conducted unlawful construction and excavation works on the promontory of the Temple of Preah Vihear, including the construction of a guard post and a road leading toward Keo Sikha Kiri Svarak Pagoda. These activities have been undertaken in disregard of the Judgments of the International Court of Justice of 1962 and 2013, which affirmed that the Temple of Preah Vihear and its entire promontory lie within the sovereign territory of Cambodia.
Thai Armed Forces and monks have also continued the construction of a large Buddha statue in the Bosbov-Choam Tae area of Choam Khsan District, Preah Vihear Province, despite repeated requests from the Cambodian side to cease the work which began on 7 March 2026.
Thai Armed Forces have continued till date the construction of permanent infrastructure in the area of Ta Krabey Temple, including concrete roads, steel stairways and Buddha statues intended to establish tourist zones and military positions. Similar unlawful activities have also occurred in Chob Angkunh and military Positions, Similar unlawful activities have also occurred in Chob Angkunh and Derm Trang (Oddar Meanchey Province), where Thai forces have erected flags and constructed concrete roads.
These actions, which violate Cambodia’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, are contrary to Article 5 of the 2000 Memorandum of Understanding on the Survey and Demarcation of Land Boundary, which prohibits activities that alter the physical or environmental characteristics of the border area and may impede the work of the Joint Boundary Commission (JBC). They also run counter to the spirit of the Joint Statement of the 3rd Special Meeting of the General Border Committee (GBC) of 27 December 2025.
The Royal Government of Cambodia calls upon Thailand to immediately cease all the above-mention actions and to fully respect the Joint Statement of the 3rd Special GBC Meeting of 27 December 2025, as well as all other relevant bilateral agreements. Cambodia remains committed to resolving all boundary issues peacefully in accordance with international law and existing bilateral agreements, while firmly upholding the principle that borders must not be altered by force or by unilateral facts created on the ground.
Thank you!
