(Phnom Penh): Pen Bona, Spokesperson for the Royal Government of Cambodia, strongly condemned the ongoing presence and illegal occupation by Thai military forces in certain areas of Cambodia's legitimate territory along the border.
Speaking during a press briefing on developments at the Cambodia–Thailand border on Monday (Jan. 5), the spokesperson underscored that the deployment of container ships and barbed wire, along with the planting of national flags in areas illegally occupied by Thai forces, represents a clear violation of Cambodia’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.
The Royal Government of Cambodia strongly protests against the continuing presence and control of Cambodian territory exercised by Thai military forces, in some areas even beyond Thailand's opinion boundary line, an unlawful and continuing occupation, wholly lacking any legal basis under international law. This occupation, having been brought about and sustained through the threat and use of force, is contrary to the fundamental and peremptory principle of international law prohibiting the acquisition of territory by force. Any territorial control, administrative acts or purported authority exercised as a result of such conduct are without legal effect and incapable of generating rights.
The actions of Thai armed forces directly contradict Thailand's commitments to peaceful dispute settlement under the Ceasefire Agreement of 28 July 2025, the General Border Committee Agreed Minutes of 7 August, 10 September, and 23 October 2025, the Joint Declaration on Peace and Peaceful Settlement of Disputes signed on 26 October 2025 and the Joint Statement of the Special GBC Meeting of 27 December 2025, which collectively affirm the obligation of both sides to refrain from unilateral measures and to resolve outstanding matters strictly through peaceful means in accordance with international law, he added.
He continued that the dismantling of civilian structures by Thai armed forces stands in stark contrast to the significant progress achieved by the Joint Boundary Commission, raising serious concerns that Thailand is attempting to prejudice ongoing boundary demarcation efforts by creating a fait accompli on the ground.
Cambodia demanded Thailand immediately cease all such hostile military activities and called on the Thai side for firmly honour the mandate of the Joint Boundary Commission of the two countries to demarcate the boundary based on existing agreement and international law.
Pen Bona underlined that the Royal Government of Cambodia reaffirms its consistent and unwavering commitment to seeking an amicable resolution to all boundary disputes with Thailand, as with all its neighbours through peaceful means, in accordance with international law, while remaining resolute in upholding its principled position that borders must not be changed by force.
=FRESH NEWS
