(Phnom Penh): Cambodian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation registered Cambodia's strong protest against the actions undertaken by the Thai armed forces that alter the security environment in or around civilian areas, consolidate military control, or create new facts on the ground, thereby directly undermining de- escalation efforts and hindering the safe and dignified return of civilians to their homes and properties, according to a press release seen by Fresh News on Saturday (Jan. 17).

This includes laying barbed wire in the area of Thmor Da International Point of Entry of Pursat Province of Cambodia on 16 January 2026.

The ministry added that such actions raise serious concerns over Cambodia's sovereignty and territory integrity and are inconsistent with the de-escalation measure set out in Item I of the Joint Statement of the 3rd Special Meeting of the General Border Committee (GBC) of 27 December 2025.

It is important to highlight that the Joint Statement of 27 December 2025 was agreed upon as a comprehensive and mutually reinforcing framework with the primary objective to de-escalate the situation, protect and restore normal civilian life, and peaceful resolution of disputes and not to entrench military presence.

In this context, Cambodia called on Thailand to fully and in good faith implement all the provisions of the Joint Statement of the 3rd Special GBC Meeting of 27 December 2025, and relevant agreements. Cambodia reaffirms its commitment to resolving border and boundary issues with Thailand peacefully, in accordance with international law and existing bilateral agreements while firmly upholding the principle that borders must not be altered by force.
=FRESH NEWS