Cambodia has lodged a formal protest against Thailand, accusing its military of illegally occupying villages and erecting barriers deep inside Cambodian territory. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation issued the statement on Sunday, denouncing the installation of containers, barbed wire and road construction in Oddar Meanchey and Pursat provinces.

Officials say Thai forces advanced nearly 500 metres beyond the recognised boundary at the O’Smach International Border Checkpoint, raising national flags on Cambodian soil and sealing off access to government buildings, markets and homes. The ministry described the actions as a “deliberate attempt to reshape the security environment” and a breach of both the United Nations Charter and ASEAN principles.

The dispute centres on areas long defined by the Franco-Siamese Convention of 1904 and the Treaty of 1907. Despite these agreements, Cambodian authorities claim Thai troops have repeatedly crossed into Oddar Meanchey, most recently after a ceasefire signed on 27 December 2025. Local officials report extensive damage to casinos, resorts, schools and pagodas, with widespread looting of shops and homes.

Deputy Governor Met Measphakdey told reporters that drainage boxes and barbed wire were laid more than 420 metres inside Cambodian territory after the ceasefire, calling it a blatant violation of sovereignty. Residents of Samraong city say the once-bustling border market has become a ghost town, with traders forced out and properties stripped bare.

The incursion has left deep scars: five civilians were killed, hundreds of homes damaged, and thousands displaced. Although most families have since returned, authorities warn that the continued presence of Thai troops threatens security and undermines trust in bilateral agreements.

Cambodia insists it remains committed to resolving the crisis peacefully, adhering to international law and the December ceasefire. Yet the latest developments highlight the fragility of border relations and the human toll of unresolved disputes.

For now, the O’Smach checkpoint—once a vital hub for trade and travel between Oddar Meanchey and Thailand’s Surin province—stands silent, its future uncertain as diplomatic tensions escalate.

-2026-02-09

Agreed but most Thai people believe that this dispute was generated by Cambodia . . . Thanks to misinformation and corruption.