Tensions along the Cambodia-Thailand border have flared up again, with Cambodia accusing Thailand of making unsupported territorial claims. According to Cambodia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Thai military activities near Border Marker No. 26 in Banteay Ampil district, Oddar Meanchey province, have breached existing bilateral agreements. In a statement dated June 27, Cambodia condemned the presence of Thai forces clearing forested areas and installing barbed wire, actions perceived as attempts to adjust the boundary lines in Thailand’s favor.
Cambodia maintains that the areas in question are still under the jurisdiction of jointly agreed-upon border demarcation processes. The Cambodian government does not recognize the boundary line that Thailand is asserting and has accused Thailand of violating Article 5 of the 2000 Memorandum of Understanding on land border surveys and demarcation. Additionally, Cambodia cited commitments from the Third Extraordinary Meeting of the General Border Committee in December 2025, which emphasized resolving disputes through established bilateral mechanisms.
In response to these alleged encroachments, Cambodia has been proactive in its diplomatic efforts, having submitted 42 diplomatic protests since July 2025. Cambodian officials have also sent nine diplomatic notes requesting the Joint Boundary Commission’s involvement and the allocation of Joint Survey Teams for fieldwork. These efforts underscore Cambodia’s commitment to reducing tensions and advancing border discussions through dialogue rather than unilateral measures.
The crux of the border dispute revolves around differing interpretations of historical treaties. Cambodia insists on using the 1:200,000-scale maps from the 1904 Franco-Siamese Convention and the 1907 Franco-Siamese Treaty as the basis for border determination. Meanwhile, Thailand is accused of using 1:50,000-scale maps that Cambodia claims were drawn up unilaterally and do not reflect mutually recognized agreements. As of now, Thai authorities have not issued a public response to Cambodia’s statement, leaving the issue unresolved.