Cambodia’s Foreign Ministry issued a notice on January 17,2026 formally lodging a serious protest over recent Thai military actions at the border and saying it would send Thailand a diplomatic note. It said Thai troops had reinstalled barbed wire around Chinese residents’ homes and shops in Thmor Da, Pursat province, on January 16. Cambodia described the area as previously illegally occupied by Thai troops; Chinese residents doing business there had recently removed wire in front of their shops themselves.
The ministry said the actions violated provisions of the joint statement from the third special border committee meeting on December 27,2025. These required both sides to let affected border civilians return home promptly, safely and with dignity and resume normal lives. Cambodia said continuing Thai actions could change the security environment of civilian residential areas, strengthen military control, bring new changes, affect returns and property security and interfere with boundary demarcation.
The government reiterated that the December 27 joint statement was an overall framework for de-escalation, civilian protection and gradual restoration of normal life at the border, and that all provisions should be implemented fully and fairly. Cambodia said the statement should not serve as grounds for troops or continued military presence in civilian areas. It called for full implementation of the statement and related agreements and reaffirmed its commitment to resolving boundary and demarcation issues peacefully under international law and bilateral agreements.
Compiled by this station.
