(Phnom Penh): The Ministry of Cults and Religion of the Kingdom of Cambodia issued a statement on Thursday (Jan. 22) expressing a strong protest against the abusive activities of the Thai military, who installed a Buddha statue in An Ses village, Choam Ksan commune, Choam Ksan district, Preah Vihear province.

The ministry reiterated its position in line with the press release of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation dated on 21 January 2026 on protesting against the activities of the Thai armed forces in the occupied areas. The ministry strongly protested against the abusive activities of the Thai military, who installed a Buddha statue in An Ses village, Choam Ksan commune, Choam Ksan district, Preah Vihear province.

The statement underlined that the installation of a Buddha statue on the site of Lord Vishnu statue destroyed by the Thai military in the An Ses area of Preah Vihear province is a violation of Cambodia’s sovereignty, contrary to the fundamental principles of international law prohibiting the use of force to acquire territory.

The statement further noted that the action directly contradicts Thailand's commitment to peacefully resolve disputes under the Ceasefire Agreement of 28 July 2025, the meeting minutes of the previous General Border Committee, the Joint Statement on Peace and Peaceful Dispute Resolution dated 26 October 2025, and the Joint Declaration of the Special Meeting of the General Border Committee on 27 December 2025, which collectively reaffirm the obligation of both parties not to take unilateral measures.

The ministry called on the Thai military to faithfully abide by the terms and spirit of the agreement, respect international law, and its obligations under existing treaties and agreements.
=FRESH NEWS