Cambodia urges border survey restart with Thailand

Cambodia has called for the resumption of joint border survey operations with Thailand, while simultaneously lodging a formal protest over alleged violations of its sovereignty.

The Secretariat of State for Border Affairs announced on 24 February that the Cambodian side of the Joint Boundary Commission (JBC) had sent a note verbale to its Thai counterpart the previous day. The proposal suggests dispatching joint survey teams between 1 and 7 March to restart work that has been suspended for months.

Officials say Cambodia wants to reinstall temporary markers and replace 15 boundary pillars at their original locations, covering stretches between markers 42 and 47 in O’ Chrov district, Banteay Meanchey province, and markers 52 to 59 in Kamrieng district, Battambang province. Further operations are proposed from 8 to 15 March in Boeung Trakuon, including the Thmâr Da international crossing and surrounding areas of Veal Vèng district in Pursat province.

The Cambodian side has also suggested holding several bilateral technical meetings in early March, including the 12th session of the Khmer‑Thai Operational Group and the 5th meeting of the Joint Technical Sub‑Commission, followed by a special session of the JBC.

At the same time, Phnom Penh has issued a strong protest against what it describes as illegal occupation by Thai military forces. Allegations include drone flights, the installation of barbed wire and containers, construction of military structures, destruction of civilian property and restrictions preventing residents from returning to their homes.

The Secretariat reaffirmed Cambodia’s commitment to resolving the border dispute peacefully, citing international law, existing bilateral agreements and recognised legal principles. Authorities urged the public to trust in the government’s efforts to defend national sovereignty and territorial integrity.

-2026-02-25