Southeast Asia Information Port (www.dnyxxg.com) – The Cambodian Ministry of Foreign Affairs issued an official statement on the evening of January 17, strongly protesting the recent actions of the Thai Armed Forces in altering the security status quo, strengthening military control, and creating a "fait accompli" in and around civilian areas.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs emphasized that Thailand's actions directly contradicted the consensus previously reached by both sides. The statement noted, "Such actions undermine the efforts made by all parties to ease regional tensions and seriously hinder the safe and dignified return of local civilians to their homes and the resumption of normal life."
On January 16, 2026, Thailand forcibly erected barbed wire in the Thammada International Border Crossing area of Pursat Province, Cambodia. Cambodia believes that this action not only seriously infringes upon Cambodia's sovereignty and territorial integrity but also blatantly violates the first de-escalation measure established in the Joint Statement of the Third Special Meeting of the Cambodia-Thailand Joint Border Committee (GBC) on December 27, 2025.
The Cambodian Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated that the Joint Statement reached on December 27, 2025, is a comprehensive and mutually reinforcing guiding framework. Its core objectives are to ease border tensions; protect and restore normal life for civilians; and resolve disputes through peaceful means.
Cambodia reiterated that the framework agreement was not intended to consolidate any form of military presence.
Given the current situation, Cambodia formally calls on Thailand to adopt a responsible attitude and fully and sincerely implement all provisions of the Joint Statement of the Third Special Meeting of the Cambodia-Thailand Joint Border Committee on December 27, 2025, and related bilateral agreements.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs reiterated in its statement: “Cambodia is always committed to resolving border issues through peaceful negotiations based on the framework of international law and existing bilateral agreements. At the same time, Cambodia firmly upholds the international principle that ‘borders should not be altered by force’ and safeguards the country’s territorial sovereignty and integrity.”
