Beyond the Protest Note: A Strategic Offensive Against Thailand’s Territorial Creep

 

Geopolitics Commentary | Cambodia Insights 
12:42 PM, April 26, 2026

PHNOM PENH, Cambodia (CI) – In geopolitical conflict, the state that dictates the arena often dictates the outcome. For years, Thailand has managed to confine tensions along its border with Cambodia to a localized, physical domain—where tactical advantages can be asserted incrementally—while simultaneously relying on bilateral diplomatic mechanisms to limit broader international scrutiny. The events of April 18 suggest that this dynamic is no longer sustainable for Phnom Penh.

According to Cambodian authorities, Thai military units undertook a series of unilateral activities across sensitive frontier areas. These reportedly included land-clearing operations in parts of Pursat province, renewed construction near Boundary Pillar No. 2 in Oddar Meanchey, bunker excavation at the Chup Koki checkpoint, and the establishment of an observation post in proximity to the Preah Vihear Temple, an area of long-standing historical and legal sensitivity. Cambodia has formally protested these actions, arguing that they violate the spirit, and potentially the provisions, of the 2000 and 2001 Memorandums of Understanding governing border conduct and demarcation. From Phnom Penh’s perspective, these developments are not isolated incidents, but part of a broader and increasingly discernible pattern. To respond effectively, Cambodia must first understand the strategic logic behind this pattern.
 

Deconstructing the Strategy: Incremental Change and Diplomatic Containment

Thailand’s approach, as interpreted by some analysts in Phnom Penh, appears to operate through a dual-track dynamic, one that combines physical activity on the ground with procedural management through diplomatic channels. The first track involves incremental changes to the status quo in contested or sensitive areas. Through construction, land modification, and limited deployments, facts are established on the ground in ways that may later shape negotiations. These actions are often framed as defensive or administrative in nature, though such characterizations are disputed by Cambodian officials when activities occur in areas governed by existing bilateral understandings.

The second track unfolds in parallel through formal diplomatic engagement. Mechanisms such as the Joint Boundary Commission and the Special General Border Committee, most recently convened on December 27, 2025, serve as platforms for dialogue, reaffirmation of commitments, and the management of tensions. Individually, each track can be understood within the normal functioning of border management between neighboring states. Taken together, however, and especially when physical developments closely follow diplomatic reassurances, they raise important questions about sequencing, intent, and effectiveness.

After last year’s fighting with Thailand, Cambodia readies new conscription law for men aged 18-25

 

Cambodian military members participate together with government civil servants in the country’s 70th Independence Day, in Phnom Penh, Cambodia, Thursday, Nov. 9, 2023. (AP Photo/Heng Sinith, file)
Updated 3:19 PM BST, April 24, 2026


PHNOM PENH, Cambodia (AP) — A law requiring Cambodian males aged 18 to 25 to serve in the military for two years has gained Cabinet approval following two spates of deadly combat last year with neighboring Thailand.

The new draft law on conscription will replace an existing law dating from 2006 that was never implemented and no longer addresses current and future needs, a government spokesperson said Friday.

The existing law specified 30 as the maximum call-up age. Women will be allowed to serve on a voluntary basis.

Spokesperson Pen Bona said the draft law, with eight chapters and 20 articles, was adopted by the Cabinet at its meeting on Thursday.

Fighting between Cambodia and Thailand flared twice last year over contending claims to territory along their shared border.

China’s foreign and defense ministers meet with Cambodian counterparts in joint ‘2+2' dialogue

 

 

By  SOPHENG CHEANG
Updated 1:40 PM BST, April 22, 2026


PHNOM PENH, Cambodia (AP) — Cambodia and China on Wednesday held their first meeting of what is called a “2+2” Strategic Dialogue Mechanism, bringing together both countries’ foreign and defense ministers to deepen mutual political and security ties.

Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi and Defense Minister Dong Jun are visiting Cambodia to hold talks with their counterparts, Foreign Minister Prak Sokhonn and Defense Minister Tea Seiha.

These talks are an initiative proposed by Chinese President Xi Jinping during his state visit in April last year, aimed at boosting relations and the comprehensive strategic partnership between the two nations. China has worked to increase its sphere of influence in Southeast Asia, and initiated the ministerial-level “2+2” dialogue format with Indonesia last year.

The Chinese Foreign Ministry announced Tuesday that Wang Yi will also visit Thailand and Myanmar following his stop in Cambodia.

While in Cambodia, both Chinese ministers are also to hold separate meetings with Senate President Hun Sen and Prime Minister Hun Manet. Following the joint “2+2” meeting, Wang Yi on Thursday is scheduled to have in-depth discussions with Prak Sokhonn to discuss the implementation of existing cooperation frameworks and contributions to regional peace, security and stability.

No details of any of the meetings were immediately available from Cambodian officials.

ក្រុមស្រាវជ្រាវ និងអភិវឌ្ឍន៍ (R&D) របស់ AI FARM ROBOTICS បានអភិវឌ្ឍន៍លើដ្រូនស៊ើបការណ៍ VultureGO ដោយបានប្រើប្រាស់បញ្ញាសិប្បនិម្មិត AI ក្នុងការប្រមូលយកទីតាំងបានយ៉ាងច្បាស់លាស់ ...

 

Prevention is always better than cure. It's much easier to train and nurture relevant talents and turn them into technicians or competent innovators for national defence and civilian needs or projects but the most decisive factor rests firmly with responsible leadership, political will and preparation or forward planning and vision. 

The DNA that once built thousands of stone monuments like Angkor Wat is still there in the Khmer people and is just waiting to be unlocked. 

-Social media 

The Wall Street Journal needs to apologize to the Kingdom of Cambodia for the disrespectful title

 

Foreigners including people working for international and regional media outlets such as WSJ and the 'The Diplomat' or those contributing pieces to them rarely have in-depth knowledge or lack the professionalism and integrity expected of them when reporting on these countries like Cambodia and Thailand. Vietnam for example - according ‘Reporters Without Borders’ - employs about 10,000 "opinion-shapers" online to attack, harass, distort information and gain entries into websites such as Wikipedia. Some of these individuals are operating as "free lancers" and likely paid to write such misleading reports on regional issues and a country like Cambodia. 

In recent years and long before the outbreak of the Cambodia Thailand border conflict Thailand appear also to have such people working on its payroll, doing much the same malicious work harassing and labelling anyone whose views and comments fail to align with their given agendas of defending Thai military and government representatives from a British ambassador to Cambodia posting an image of "Khmer Cakes" on his social media account to ordinary Cambodian citizens posting images of their country's traditional dress. 

Such attacks have often been personal enough to have forced their victims - such as the ambassador mentioned above - to remove his post shortly afterward! Meanwhile, Thailand's government delegations accuse Cambodia of waging a campaign of 'disinformation' over the on-going territorial dispute, including its FM and another Ministry official who travelled to Sweden to negotiate the purchase of Gripen fighter jets during the recent conflict. Sure enough some of these jets that Thailand have purchased for ostensibly "defensive" purposes had been deployed to terrorise Cambodian population and bomb historical cultural sites as well as civilian infrastructures such as bridges and administrative centres deep inside Cambodia territory of late.

-Social media 

Cambodia Rejects Thai Territorial Claims in New Protest Note

 

 

PHNOM PENH, April 19, 2026 — Cambodia has formally protested what it described as unilateral military activities by Thai armed forces along several border areas, accusing Bangkok of violating Cambodian sovereignty and territorial integrity.

 

In a statement issued on Sunday, Cambodia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation said it had conveyed an official protest to Thailand over actions carried out on April 18, including construction works, bunker digging, land clearing and new observation posts in multiple provinces bordering Thailand.

 

The Cambodian government cited locations in Preah Vihear, Oddar Meanchey and Pursat provinces, alleging Thai forces had built or expanded military-related infrastructure near sensitive frontier areas.

Among the claims, Phnom Penh said Thai troops constructed an observation post near the Preah Vihear Temple area, continued road works near Boundary Pillar No. 2 in Oddar Meanchey, dug bunkers near Chup Koki border checkpoint, and used heavy machinery for land-clearing operations in Pursat province.

 

Cambodia said the actions breached principles under the United Nations Charter, the ASEAN Charter and the Treaty of Amity and Cooperation in Southeast Asia, particularly commitments to peaceful dispute resolution, respect for sovereignty and refraining from the use of force.

Phnom Penh also rejected any attempt to portray the activities as defensive measures or as being consistent with agreements reached during the 3rd Special General Border Committee meeting on Dec. 27, 2025.

 

“The Royal Government of Cambodia does not accept any boundary line or territorial claim unilaterally asserted by Thailand,” the statement said.

Cambodia called on Thailand to refrain from further unilateral steps in the affected areas, saying de-escalation was necessary to preserve peace, stability and good neighbourly relations along the shared border.

 

The government reiterated its commitment to resolving all border disputes peacefully through bilateral agreements and international law, while maintaining that borders must not be changed by force.

Thailand had not immediately responded publicly to the Cambodian statement. Border tensions between the two neighbours have periodically resurfaced over undemarcated sections of their frontier, including areas near historic temple sites.

Over 34,000 Cambodians Remain Displaced as Border Situation Persists

 

Thailand is replicating war crimes committed in the ME by their friend and ally Israel in SEA against innocent Cambodian civilians. Who displaced these people from their homes and villages in the first place, Thailand or Cambodia? Thailand's long range artillery barrage and rockets threaten communities well away from the immediate border regions, not to mention F-16 raids deep inside Cambodian territory. 

It's ok to blame the Cambodian authorities for mismanagement of the war refugee crisis but Thailand's disregard for international and humanitarian laws does not help and remains the conflict's most defining contributing factor.

-Social media

 

 

 

– More than 34,000 Cambodian civilians remain displaced along the frontier with Thailand, despite a ceasefire in place since late 2025, officials said Friday.

 

In its latest update covering April 16–17, the Ministry of Interior reported that of more than 640,000 people initially uprooted, around 94 percent—over 610,000—have returned home. However, 34,439 individuals, including 17,860 women and 11,449 children, remain unable to return due to ongoing concerns.

 

The situation persists because Thailand has not fully adhered to commitments under the Joint Statement of the 3rd Special General Border Committee (GBC). Cambodia continues to document developments while pursuing diplomatic and legal channels.

 

Civilian life remains disrupted in border provinces, with schools and healthcare facilities in Oddar Meanchey, Banteay Meanchey and Preah Vihear still closed. No new infrastructure damage has been reported since December 2025, though recovery in previously affected areas is ongoing.

 

Officials reaffirmed the government’s commitment to resolving the border issue peacefully, stressing that avoiding armed conflict is a top priority to prevent further harm to civilians on both sides.

 

During the recent Khmer New Year, authorities coordinated efforts to ensure safe conditions nationwide, with particular attention to displaced families in temporary shelters.

 

The ministry called on citizens to remain united and resilient, encouraging continued economic and social activity while supporting domestic production and national stability.

---------------

By: Sopheng In

©KPT English

 

Hijacking the Peace: How Bangkok Uses Diplomatic Paralysis to Squat on Cambodian Soil

 

The article should instead be titled: ‘Sick man of SEA playing stalling tactics on his favoured platform of ‘bilateral talks’ without real talks.’ Anutin and his bosses in the army or palace have got what they want by attacking a neighbouring country so to then surrender their ill-gotten gains so soon thereafter would make them look like complete fools. 

Bangkok’s moral decay, duplicity and reputation on the international stage is about as notorious and sleazy as that of Pattaya. 

-Social media 

 

Geopolitics Commentary | Cambodia Insights

05:17 PM, April 15, 2026

PHNOM PENH, Cambodia (CI) – On April 11, the Thai government, through its Ministry of Foreign Affairs, flatly rejected Cambodia’s diplomatic push to expedite a Joint Border Commission (JBC) meeting. This dismissal came merely days after Cambodia’s State Secretariat of Border Affairs dispatched a renewed diplomatic note on April 7, urgently requesting a special JBC session and the immediate deployment of a joint technical team to conduct empirical, on-the-ground measurements. Bangkok’s official rationale for this April 11 rejection, citing the recent transition to a new administration and the bureaucratic necessity of restructuring the Thai JBC delegation, offers a remarkably thin veil for its diplomatic inertia. While administrative transitions are a reality of governance, they cannot be perpetually invoked to suspend binding bilateral obligations. Using cabinet reshuffles and internal committee changes as a pretext to avoid empirical border measurements only reinforces the perception that Thailand is deploying bureaucratic red tape as a shield against legal accountability.

At the heart of this stalling tactic is a fundamental fear of empirical truth. The delimitation of the Cambodian-Thai border is not a mystery; it is anchored firmly in established international jurisprudence, most notably the Annex I map of the 1904 and 1907 Franco-Siamese Treaties, which were resoundingly validated by the International Court of Justice (ICJ) in 1962 and reaffirmed in 2013. By refusing to send a joint measurement team to the physical border, Bangkok is deliberately suppressing the very mechanism that would expose its territorial encroachments. A joint, transparent measurement based on legally binding maps would strip away the ambiguity Thailand relies upon, transforming their presence from a "disputed claim" into an undeniable, documented violation of Cambodian sovereignty.

Bangkok’s Dangerous Gambit: Why Revoking MOU 2000 is an Act of International Bad Faith

 

As long as there are rogue states like Israel and Thailand around, neighbouring countries and peoples won't be able to sleep in peace for long especially when these latter show signs of vulnerabilities or are inadequately equipped to defend themselves against the former's violence and aggression. 

Why would stronger, far more powerful states completely disregard international laws and existing dispute resolution mechanisms when they have issues with smaller, weaker opponents or states? Because ultimately they are of the belief that the world is still ruled by the law of the jungle; that it is a fractured world where laws and treaties can be interpreted or eschewed altogether to align with their interests and fait accompli often rule the day or where the actual victims may never find justice. 

Btw, one keeps hearing that Cambodia is a "jungle country" and so forth but, this derogatory label must surely be far more applicable to Thailand as a violent criminal state led by its unscrupulous politicians and savage military commanders? In any case, there isn't much of any real 'jungle' left in either country these days owing to destructive commercial deforestation! 

Choose ‘peace’ but also find the practical realistic means to protect and defend it – just in case.

-Social media 

  

Geopolitics Commentary | Cambodia Insights
Panhavuth LONG, Lawyer, PAN & Associates Lawfirm
05:10 PM, April 15, 2026

PHNOM PENH, Cambodia (CI) – The prospect of Thailand revoking the Memorandum of Understanding regarding the Survey and Demarcation of Land Boundary (MOU 2000) would be a watershed moment in Southeast Asian diplomacy. This is not merely a procedural withdrawal or a domestic policy adjustment; it constitutes a direct abandonment of the December 27 Peace Declaration and a profound breach of international law.

As calls for revocation grow louder within certain political circles in Bangkok, it is imperative to analyze why such a move would be viewed by the international community as an act of profound "bad faith." The current peace rests on specific legal and strategic pillars that cannot be dismantled without collapsing the entire regional security architecture.

The Legal Shield: The "Intangibility" of Boundaries

Under the Vienna Convention on the Law of Treaties (VCLT), specifically Article 62, Paragraph 2, a state cannot invoke a "fundamental change of circumstances" to terminate or
withdraw from a treaty that establishes a boundary. Because MOU 2000 was signed, ratified, and deposited with the United Nations Secretariat as the definitive framework for boundary demarcation, it is legally "intangible." Any unilateral attempt by Bangkok to revoke it is a violation of pacta sunt servanda (agreements must be kept). In the eyes of international law, the MOU remains binding regardless of a state’s internal political "recommendations." To attempt an escape from these territorial obligations is to signal to the world that Thailand’s signature on a treaty is temporary and subject to the whims of populist sentiment.

ចិត្តស្នេហ៍បរិសុទ្ធ - Cover

 

On this auspicious occasion of the Khmer New Year, we wish all our readers and beloved Khmer people everywhere safety, health, prosperity and peace and above all, those unfortunate families and their beloved ones currently being displaced from their homes and villages due to foreign invasion and aggression and being made to remain in abject conditions. 

We would like to also recall the immortal and benign words of one of our greatest kings - Jayavarman VII - who penned this memorable phrase: "It is not private afflictions but, public sorrows that make grief of kings". Perhaps, it is not so much the grand stone cities and monuments that he built that truly make him great but, more his love and devotion towards the well-being of his populace throughout his empire. 

 

The Patriot’s Paradox: Thailand’s Withdrawal From MOU 44, Cheap Nationalism, and Elite Interests

 

 

Thai Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul’s recent election victory could spell trouble for Thailand-Cambodia relations. His electoral success and subsequent policy statement proposing Thailand’s withdrawal from the 2001 Memorandum of Understanding (MOU 44) — a framework for bilateral negotiations over disputed maritime areas between Thailand and Cambodia — represent a deep contradiction for Thailand: the use of cheap nationalism may advance elite interests at the expense of Thai national interests.

Cambodia and Thailand share a long land and sea border, much of which is disputed. The maritime dispute dates back to 1972, when Cambodian Prime Minister Lon Nol issued two presidential decrees using the Thai island of Koh Kut as the reference point for Cambodia’s territorial claims in the Gulf of Thailand. This Overlapping Claims Area (OCA) comprises some 27,000 square kilometres of maritime territory. On the one hand, it is estimated to contain natural gas reserves of around 311 billion cubic metres, as well as sizeable oil reserves. On the other hand, questions of territory inevitably fall within the bounds of sovereignty — one of the most sensitive issues for Southeast Asian countries. The future viability of MOU 44 has now come into question, re-intensifying territorial tensions between the two countries.

Filling the void: MOU 44

Signed by Cambodia and Thailand in June 2001, MOU 44 reflected two primary points of interest. First, it marked a triumph of diplomacy between the two Southeast Asian countries. As the second in a pair of boundary agreements — following MOU 43 (2000), which focused on land borders — MOU 44 addressed maritime territory and provided a framework for bilateral negotiations. At the time, neither country had yet become a signatory of the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), leaving no prior framework for conflict resolution. Together, the twin MOUs represented a ‘golden age’ of cooperation between the two countries, when mutually beneficial outcomes were the primary philosophy guiding their relations.

24 Hours in Ancient Angkor | The God-King's City (1150 AD)

When Donald Trump said he wanted to return Iran “to the Stone Age”, it was a line intended to project force and intimidate.…

Cambodia Proposes April Talks to Resolve Border Disputes

 

 

PHNOM PENH, April 7, 2026 — Cambodia has called on Thailand to urgently resume joint border talks and field surveys, while reiterating its rejection of any unilateral changes to the boundary line. In a statement, the State Secretariat of Border Affairs said it had repeatedly proposed convening a special meeting of the Cambodia–Thailand Joint Boundary Commission (JBC), but that the Thai side had delayed participation, citing internal procedures. 

 The Cambodian side renewed its proposal through a diplomatic note dated April 7, urging both sides to hold a special JBC meeting in Siem Reap between April 17 and 22. It also called for the deployment of joint survey teams to resume demarcation work and the installation of temporary markers along several contested border segments, including areas in Banteay Meanchey and Battambang provinces. Further proposals include replacing previously agreed boundary pillars and conducting additional surveys in key zones such as O Smach and other sensitive areas, in line with existing bilateral agreements. Cambodia also suggested holding follow-up technical and operational meetings in early May to advance the process. 

 The statement reaffirmed Cambodia’s “firm stance” against what it described as illegal occupation and violations of its territorial integrity, while rejecting any boundary changes resulting from the use of force. It stressed that the border must be respected in accordance with international law, historical treaties and previously agreed maps and documents. Phnom Penh said it remains committed to resolving border issues peacefully through established mechanisms, while urging Thailand to engage constructively and adhere to prior agreements.

Time to Act: Anutin’s New Cabinet Is Obliged to Return to the JBC Negotiation Table with Cambodia to Continue Resolving Border Issues

France Visit Offers Cambodia Chance to Press Border Case

 

PHNOM PENH, April 4, 2026 — Cambodia’s Prime Minister Hun Manet is set to visit France next week for high-level talks and a global summit, with analysts suggesting the trip could be used to advance Phnom Penh’s position on its border dispute with Thailand.

Hun Manet will travel to Paris and Lyon from April 6 to 9 to attend the One Health Summit, where he is scheduled to meet French President Emmanuel Macron, according to Cambodia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation.

The visit, made at Macron’s invitation, will also include bilateral meetings with French officials and other world leaders aimed at strengthening ties and expanding cooperation across multiple sectors, the ministry said.

The One Health Summit, a flagship event under France’s 2026 G7 presidency, will bring together heads of state, international organisations, scientists and development partners to address links between human, animal and environmental health.

Analysts say the visit provides an opportunity for Cambodia to highlight its stance on the ongoing border issue with Thailand, including efforts to secure access to historical documents from the French colonial era that could support legal processes related to boundary demarcation.

Kin Phea, director of the International Relations Institute at the Royal Academy of Cambodia, said the trip offers a platform to clarify Cambodia’s position and reinforce international legal principles.

“Cambodia can use this opportunity to reaffirm international legal conventions, bilateral treaties and historical records that underpin its territorial integrity,” he said.

He added that Phnom Penh has consistently pursued a peaceful approach, emphasising dialogue and legal mechanisms over confrontation.

Hun Manet will be accompanied by Foreign Minister Prak Sokhonn and other senior officials, as well as his spouse Pich Chanmony.

Cambodia and Thailand have long-standing border disputes in several areas, though both sides have committed to resolving differences through diplomatic channels and established bilateral frameworks.  

Cambodia Says Thai Forces Deployed Armor at O Smach

The Thais have evidently chosen short term gains over pursuing long term, lasting path of peace and stability both in the region and for themselves. It is far too naive to resort to that medieval mindset of their blood-thirsty, rapacious ancestors in these days and age when they were taking advantage of a fractious, declining kingdom of Cambodia or the Khmer Empire. 

As Albert Einstein once said, peace cannot be achieved through force or coercion; it can only be attained through understanding. A war or conflict of this kind does not in itself put a permanent stop to further conflicts or their emergences in future time just because one side has lost a battle or two and this outburst of military aggression will have only planted certain seeds of further protracted retaliations and reactions even if the present Cambodian leadership is not equipped to meet that aggression. 

It is both a folly of the mind and an illusion on the grandest scale to imagine that seizing villages and lands with armoured vehicles and tanks and erecting border-markers with shipping containers, sand bags and barbed wires and, lest one forgets, doing all this on the backs of the sufferings and anguish of hundreds of thousands of innocents who have been violently forced off their homes, lands and villages. That's not exactly how one mends one's fences with one's neighbours. 

-Social media 

 

PHNOM PENH, April 3, 2026 — Cambodia on Thursday rejected allegations by the Royal Thai Army that its forces had engaged in provocative actions along the border, calling the claims “entirely untrue and baseless” and accusing Thai troops of unauthorized deployments in a disputed area.

 

In a statement, Lieutenant General Maly Socheata, spokeswoman for Cambodia’s Ministry of National Defence, said Cambodian forces had acted with “restraint, responsibility and professionalism” while maintaining vigilance to protect national sovereignty.

 

The response followed a post published earlier the same day by the Royal Thai Army on its official Facebook page, which alleged provocative actions by Cambodian troops and reported reinforcement measures at the O Smach border crossing.

 

Cambodia, however, said Thai forces had deployed two armored vehicles and around 70 personnel at the O Smach International Border Checkpoint in Oddar Meanchey province at about 6:20 a.m. local time. The statement further accused Thai troops of reinforcing barbed wire in areas described as being under “illegal occupation” and conducting military activities without prior notification.

 

According to Phnom Penh, its Military Region 4 liaison team contacted Thailand’s Military Region 2 to demand an immediate halt to the activities and urged compliance with existing agreements.

 

The Cambodian side also referenced a recent verification by the ASEAN Observer Team, which inspected the situation at the crossing on March 29.

 

Despite a ceasefire in place, Cambodia said it remained committed to implementing agreements reached under the Cambodia–Thailand General Border Committee, including a joint statement issued in December 2025 and a peace declaration signed in October 2025.

 

The Defence Ministry called on Thailand to “reciprocate consistency, goodwill and honesty” to ensure stability and long-term security along the border.

 

Border tensions between the Southeast Asian neighbors have flared intermittently over disputed areas, though both sides have pledged to resolve differences through dialogue and existing bilateral mechanisms.

Cambodia Says Thai Move to Cancel MOU Violates International Law

 

 

PHNOM PENH, March 26, 2026 — Cambodia has rejected calls by a Thai Senate panel to revoke a long-standing border agreement, warning that such a move would violate international law and undermine efforts to maintain peace along the border.

In a statement, the State Secretariat of Border Affairs said it “firmly rejects and entirely dismisses” recommendations to cancel the 2000 Memorandum of Understanding (MOU 43), describing them as unfounded and politically motivated.

The MOU, signed by both countries and registered with the United Nations, serves as a legal framework for resolving border issues through the Joint Boundary Commission (JBC).

Cambodia said Thailand cannot unilaterally revoke the agreement under international law, citing the Vienna Convention on the Law of Treaties.

Officials added that the JBC has made progress in demarcation work, including identifying boundary pillars and conducting joint surveys.

Phnom Penh reaffirmed its commitment to resolving disputes peacefully and warned that revoking the agreement would hinder stability and cooperation along the border. 

Golden memories ...

 

ការធ្វើថៃភាគីយកម្ម = Thaification

ទាហានថៃ ដំឡើងទង់ជាតិដែលបំពានទឹកដីកម្ពុជា នៅ​ចំពោះមុខអង្គទូតបរទេស…

Quote, unquote ...

 

 

A 1,000-year-old cliff-top temple lies battered after Cambodia-Thailand border clashes

 

Cambodian police officers walk past a temple damaged during border clashes with Thailand, at Preah Vihear province, Cambodia, Saturday, March 14, 2026, (AP Photo/Heng Sinith) 

 

By SOPHENG CHEANG Updated 10:38 AM GMT, March 24, 2026 Leer en español Comments 1 

 

PREAH VIHEAR, Cambodia (AP) — It’s been three months since a ceasefire ended bitter border fighting between Cambodia and Thailand, but signs of combat are cut deep in this 11th-century Hindu temple atop a 525-meter (1,722-foot) cliff in the Dangrek Mountains. The neighboring Southeast Asian countries have been fighting over Preah Vihear temple on and off for decades, and that’s putting the ancient holy site in danger. Built by the same Khmer Empire that constructed Angkor Wat 160 kilometers (100 miles) southwest, the temple, which is dedicated to the Hindu god Shiva, was declared a UNESCO World Heritage site in 2008 and is held as an important cultural relic by Cambodians. The empire was Hindu, but gradually converted to Buddhism, the state religion of modern Cambodia. But after two rounds of major combat last year, much of the structure is damaged and Cambodian officials say that parts of the temple may be in danger of collapse.

There’s lots of wreckage, but no tourists

Journalists visit the Preah Vihear temple, damaged during border clashes with Thailand, at Preah Vihear province, Cambodia, Saturday, March 14, 2026. (AP Photo/Heng Sinith)

Where tourists once admired the weather-beaten structure’s elaborate carvings and a magnificent view over the Cambodian plains, there is now stone debris, along with artillery craters and the ashes of burned vegetation.

“The temple has turned quiet, and its beauty looks so sorrowful because of the tragedy,” Hem Sinath, archaeologist and deputy director-general of the National Authority for Preah Vihear, told Associated Press journalists visiting earlier this month.

My perspective and recommendations about the Thai Aggression against Cambodia

One wonders how much of all this Thai aggression has been planned and predetermined by what Thai people and school children have been indoctrinated by the Thai elite's falsified and concocted accounts of history. Even today despite overwhelming evidence to the contrary most Thais still believe it is Cambodia who encroached on Thai territory; Cambodians fired first, Cambodia planted the landmines that Thai soldiers stepped on, Cambodians used ancient sacred temples as "military bunkers" thus are legitimates targets of Thai attack and destruction, Cambodians "copy" traditional Thai dress ... In fact a public survey recently revealed most Thais - around 60% or more - want Thailand to sever all ties with their Cambodian neighbours. 

As a human being I don't want to see anyone or any people harmed just because they belong to a certain nationality or geography, but equally I strongly detest how the strong bully the weak or disadvantaged. Some Thai xenophobes and politicians label the Khmers as "crocodiles" or ungrateful, pointing to the refuge provided by Thailand to many of them in the 1980s having created the second Killing Field by forcing thousands of Cambodian refugees off the steep cliffs of the Dang Rek mountain and under pressure from the international community to shelter these unfortunate civilians. Most of these refugees were in fact camped just inside Cambodian territory along the border where they risked real harm from armed groups and bandits from all sides at the time such as rape, beating, extortion or human trafficking. 

These were the people who had been deeply traumatised by what they had experienced under the Pol Pot regime earlier. Other refugee camps that were inside Thai territory also situated just across the border in close proximity to the ones over the border under control of Cambodian resistance factions, including the KR whom Thailand tacitly backed as a buffer against Vietnam's presence along Thailand's provinces. Many Thai towns along with communities along this border such as Aranyaprathet experienced economic boom virtually overnight as a result of the presence of the UN supervised refugee camps whom the Thai government refused to recognise as war refugees, preferring instead to designate them as "displaced people" as this designation meant less pressure on the Thais to comply with international laws and conventions on refugees. The Thai would have also seen the presence of these Cambodians scattered along the border effectively serving as human shields each time the Vietnamese army launched their attack against the Cambodian resistance groups. 

The presence of unexploded anti-personnel mines had been laid there during this war by mostly the China backed KR who was functioning as Thailand’s ally. It is along this stretch of land inside Cambodian territory that the Thais are now brutally evicting Cambodian villagers in the hundreds of thousands, most of who are still squatting in make-shift tents in squalid conditions with barely adequate amenities or essentials needed for human survival. 

If the term 'crocodile' applies to any people or group in the region it is perhaps the Thais/Siamese nation itself who had historically been the one to have been sheltered and fed by the Khmers and their kings as this sub-Sino group drifted into the territory of the Khmer empire. Once the T'ai or Siamese grew in strength and numbers they turned against their benefactors - the Khmers - taking over territories and population that we still see today. 

The modern day Thais are in fact standing entirely on former Khmer territory so without Cambodia to begin with all of what we call 'Thailand' would not have existed. The villages and territories along the border that Thailand have seized since the start of the recent armed invasion by its military and where shipping containers and barbed wires are being placed to stake Thai claims are the latest additions to Thailand's incessant, continued historical annexation of Cambodia's rightful existential space and home in the most literal sense.

-Social media 

 

ស្ត្រីម្នាក់​ត្រូវបានតុលាការ​ផ្ដន្ទាទោស​២ឆ្នាំ ដោយសារ​បង្ហោះ​សារ​រឿង​ជម្លោះព្រំដែន​កម្ពុជា​-​ថៃ

 

ប្ដី​របស់​កម្មការិនី​រោងចក្រ​ម្នាក់​ស្នើ​ឲ្យ​លោកនាយក​រដ្ឋមន្ត្រី ហ៊ុន ម៉ាណែត ជួយ​អន្តរាគមន៍​ទៅ​តុលាការ​ដោះលែង​ប្រពន្ធ​ឲ្យ​មាន​សេរីភាព​វិញ ដោយ​ថា​ប្រពន្ធ របស់​លោក​​គ្មាន​កំហុស​ដូច​ការចោទប្រកាន់​ឡើយ​។ សំណើ​នេះ ធ្វើ​ឡើង​បន្ទាប់​ពី​តុលាការ​ផ្ដន្ទាទោស​កម្មការិនី​រោងចក្រ លោកស្រី ហ៊ុល មុន្នីសាមន ឲ្យ​ជាប់ ពន្ធនាគារ ២​ឆ្នាំ និង​ពិន័យ​ជា​ប្រាក់ ៤ លាន​រៀល ពាក់​ព​ព័ន្ធ​នឹង​ការ​បញ្ចេញ​មតិ រឿង​ជម្លោះព្រំដែន​កម្ពុជា​-​ថៃ។

ប្ដី​របស់​កម្មការិនី​រោងចក្រ អះអាង​ថា លោក​នឹង​ប្ដឹង​ជំទាស់​ចំពោះ​សេចក្ដីសម្រេច របស់​សាលាដំបូង​រាជធានី​ភ្នំពេញ ទៅ​សាលាឧទ្ធរណ៍​បន្ត​ទៀត ដោយ​លោក ចាត់ទុក​ការ ផ្ដន្ទាទោស​ប្រពន្ធ​របស់​លោក ឲ្យ​ជាប់ពន្ធនាគារ ២ ឆ្នាំ ពី​បទ​«​ញុះញង់ និង​ប្រមាថ​» ពាក់ព័ន្ធ​នឹង​ការ​បញ្ចេញ​មតិ​ថា ជា​រឿង​អយុត្តិធម៌។

ប្ដី​របស់​កម្មការិនី​រោងចក្រ លោកស្រី ហ៊ុល មុន្នីសាមន គឺ​លោក ឆេង ចន្ទធា ប្រាប់​ទូរទស្សន៍​អាស៊ីសេរី នៅ​ថ្ងៃទី​២៤ ខែមីនា ថា ប្រសិនបើ​ប្រពន្ធ​របស់​លោក បញ្ចេញមតិ​ទៅ​ខុសឆ្គង គួរ​ធ្វើ​ការអប់រំ ពីព្រោះ​ប្រពន្ធ​របស់​លោក គ្រាន់តែ​ជា កម្មការិនី​រោងចក្រ ហើយ​មាន​ជំងឺ​ជាប់​ខ្លួន​ទៀត។

លោក ឆេង ចន្ទធា៖ «គេ​អ្នកខ្លះ​គ្រោះថ្នាក់​ចរាចរណ៍​បុក​ដល់​ស្លាប់​ដល់​អី ហើយ​គាត់ គ្រាន់តែ​និយាយ​លើ​បណ្ដាញ​សង្គម គាត់​ជា​ប្រជាពលរដ្ឋ​មួយ​រូប គ្រាន់តែ​និយាយ ប៉ុណ្ណឹង គាត់​មានទោស​ដល់​ជាប់គុក ជាប់​ច្រវាក់។ សំណូមពរ​ទៅ​ខាង​អាជ្ញាធរ សំណូមពរ​ទៅ​ខាង​តុលាការ ដោះលែង​គាត់ ដើម្បី​យក​គាត់​មក​ព្យាបាល នៅ​ខាងក្រៅ​វិញ»។

លោក ឆេង ចន្ទធា ទទូច​ឲ្យ​លោក ហ៊ុន ម៉ាណែត ជួយ​អន្តរាគមន៍​ទៅ​តុលាការ ដោះលែង​ប្រពន្ធ​ឲ្យ​មាន​សេរីភាព​វិញ ដោយ​ថា ប្រពន្ធ​របស់​លោក​គ្រាន់តែ ជា​ពលរដ្ឋ​សាមញ្ញ​ប៉ុណ្ណោះ។

ព្រះអាទិត្យលិចយ៉ាងស្រស់ស្អាត នៅចំកំពូល ប្រាសាទបាគង

Japan Provides $17 Million to Support Cambodians Affected by Border Conflict

 

PHNOM PENH, March 23, 2026 — Japan has provided approximately $17 million in assistance to support Cambodian citizens affected by the Cambodia–Thailand border conflict, reinforcing international backing for Cambodia’s humanitarian needs and recovery efforts.

 

Speaking to reporters, Japan’s Ambassador to Cambodia, Ueno Atsushi, said the aid has been directed toward displaced Cambodian civilians, returning migrant workers from Thailand, and critical sectors such as mine action and unexploded ordnance (UXO) clearance.

 

The support includes emergency assistance delivered in cooperation with the International Organization for Migration and UNICEF, including an initial $1.8 million package for border communities affected by armed clashes since mid-2025.

 

Since early 2026, Japan has expanded its support to assist vulnerable populations and returning workers, helping to stabilise livelihoods in areas impacted by tensions along the border.

The assistance underscores growing international recognition of the challenges faced by Cambodian communities, particularly those displaced by the conflict and exposed to lingering threats such as landmines and unexploded ordnance.

 

Ambassador Ueno reaffirmed Japan’s commitment to supporting peace, stability and long-term development in Cambodia, while expressing hope that tensions between Cambodia and Thailand will be resolved through full adherence to ceasefire agreements, restraint and peaceful dialogue.

 

Cambodia and Japan, which established diplomatic relations in 1953, elevated ties to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership in 2023. Japan remains one of Cambodia’s most trusted development partners, playing a key role in infrastructure, human resource development and public service improvements.

Observers say Japan’s continued assistance highlights strong international solidarity with Cambodia and reinforces efforts to protect civilians, restore livelihoods and promote lasting peace in border areas.

 

ក្រសួងវប្បធម៏ ថៃ ចង់ដាក់ឈុតសម្លៀក បំពាក់ ដើម. កំណើត ថៃ ភាគខាងត្បូង តំណាងជាតិថៃ

 

It's not really Thai people's fault - the common people that is - that they reject their own true historical and cultural roots because their rulers have for centuries plundered and adopted Khmer cultural expressions and riches and claim these things as their own. For hundreds of years the T'ai or Siamese had been a subjugated ethnic minority subsisting in the shadow of the more dominant and enviable Khmer civilisation. In fact, the earlier Siamese adopted just about everything that were Khmer including architecture, writing system, language, religious rituals, greeting, royal court customs and etiquettes etc. not only traditional dress. 

The ancient Khmers had also absorbed and adopted ideas and cultural influences from India and integrated these into their own indigenous Khmer-Mon mainstream culture including within the sphere of religious worship and belief without jettisoning or rejecting their own Khmer-Mon roots. Nowhere is this more evident than in the practice of Khmer Buddhism today which is an amalgamation of Khmer indigenous animism, Indian Brahmanism and Buddhism. This process of integration and adoption of foreign influences is known as 'acculturation' in anthropology. 

It’s not hard to see why the Siamese rulers would want to rewrite and teach the Siamese people a completely distorted version of history unlike the Khmers who acknowledge ancient Indian influences with pride and dignity. Moreover, unlike the Siamese and modern day Thais the ancient Brahmans and India did not invade and plunder the Khmer empire or Cambodia with swords, cannons or F16s but rather with religious texts, knowledge, literature, science and cosmology and their undeniable influence and historical footprints can still be seen today across South East Asia. 

It’s not farfetched to surmise that these Siamese rulers would rather hide from their populace and descendents truths and facts that were uncomfortable, ignoble, characterising their deeds throughout their violent conquests and mistreatment of the Khmers than the truth of their savage and demonic past – not too dissimiliar to what the world is witnessing today through their illegal invasion and mistreatment of Cambodian people who have neither the desire for war nor military might to match theirs. 

-Social media 

Angkor equinox

When Faith Meets Conflict on the Border

Photo: Thai Press

    By: Chanroeun Pa
    March 21, 2026, 7:00 PM
    cambodianess 

Recent reports of monks taking part in land clearing and building religious structures such as Buddha statues along the Cambodia-Thailand border have raised concerns that go beyond politics.

This has happened especially in Preah Vihear and Oddar Meanchey where disputes remain unresolved. They touch on something deeper: our shared values, our faith, and our responsibility to one another.

Cambodia and Thailand are not just neighbours. We are connected through a long and rich Buddhist tradition that has shaped how we think, live and relate to each other.

This shared heritage is something we should protect carefully. It reminds us that what we do — especially in the name of religion — should bring people closer, not pull them apart.

When Good Intentions and Merit Need Careful Reflection

Buddhism teaches us about compassion, loving-kindness and right action. These are not just ideals we talk about. They are principles we are meant to live by, especially in difficult situations.

Spain’s PM Calls to Abolish UN Veto Power — ‘The World Can’t Be Controlled by a Few Nations!

 

 

 

Spain’s Prime Minister, Pedro Sánchez, has made a bold call for sweeping reforms within the United Nations, urging the abolition of veto power in the UN Security Council.

In an interview with El Diario, Sánchez argued that the veto mechanism often blocks critical decisions, especially during urgent global crises. According to him, this system allows a handful of powerful nations to stall international action based on their own political interests.

He also questioned the legitimacy of permanent seats held by countries like Russia and the United States, particularly given their involvement in ongoing conflicts such as in Ukraine and Iran.
Sánchez emphasized that reform is no longer optional, but essential. Without it, the UN risks remaining ineffective and overly influenced by a small group of global powers, rather than serving as a fair and representative body for the international community.

“We must abolish the veto power within the UN.”

He warned that without fundamental changes, global governance will continue to face deadlock—while conflicts and humanitarian crises persist without meaningful resolution. 

តុលាការអូស្ត្រាលីសម្រេចឱ្យ Al Jazeera ឈ្នះបណ្តឹងឧទ្ធរណ៍ក្នុងរឿងក្តីក្តាំជាមួយលោក ហ៊ុន តូ

Heritage Under Attack: The Evidence Emerging from Preah Vihear…

 

Barbarians and brutes have no comprehension, regard or appreciation for cultural heritage that is recognised of universal value for civilised humanity. Indeed, they even filmed themselves cheering their "precision" rocket attacks on these historical sites, telling lies to the world that these are 'military bunkers' even though the temples situate inside Cambodia's territory as defined by the Franco-Siam Treaties of 1904 and 1907 and the lightly armed Cambodian guards were there for protective purposes. 

In fact, the physical evidence of damages to the temples - Ta Krobey and Preah Vihear - indicate that it was the temples themselves rather than the guards that were the targets of their co-ordinated precision attacks. They could have chosen any other locations along the 800 km plus border to launch their offensive and senseless destruction. But, that would not have been as gratifying, would it for these well-armed vandals and psychopaths? You know a tree by the fruits it bears...

-Social media 

 

យើងត្រូវការបណ្ឌិតនិយាយការពិតបែបនេះដើម្បីកែសង្គមជាតិ

 

Neighbouring states like Vietnam and Thailand know just what Cambodia's weaknesses and disadvantages are and time their strikes at the right moments to drive home their advantages with complete confidence and certainty. 

In recent years alone Cambodian leadership has been given ample opportunities to reform and modernise its military, namely in 2008 and 2011 over the same 'dispute' that flared up again of late. Even the relatively recognised disparities in military strengths on statistics possessed by the two nations do not reflect the real or actual gap in the two nations' armed forces because statistics and figures on paper never reveal the actual number of soldiers officially assigned to every unit or battalion owing to widespread and endemic corruption in the military itself. Hence, the phenomenon of "ghost soldiers". 

On the other hand, having a robust and adequate military strength does not necessarily imply that a state, especially, smaller ones such as Cambodia, prefers going to war to solve international disputes over peaceful means like dialogue and diplomacy. It is simply a means of deterrence in the last resort; an insurance posture that makes your enemy think twice and hard before committing to violence over peaceful resolutions or means. This failure to reform the military institution and heed repeated warnings given by Thailand's aggressions is precisely why the Thais feel embolden to attack Cambodia whilst disregarding international laws and border treaties the two countries have signed. 

Moreover, it is somewhat dangerously naive to assume that all states abide by international laws or treaties and this reality is reflected by the elites in both countries in terms of their behaviours internally where power, wealth and personal interests often dictate their respective ambitions and agendas. 

In the east, anyone who traverses the border areas would be able to see civil and police structures right by the international boundary line; these are homes, farm settlements, border police stations, district and community centres etc. built to cement claims over territories after having forcibly evicted tens of thousands of Khmer families and villagers off their ancestral lands. In the west, the Thais have viewed all this with keen interest and want their pieces of Cambodian land too. 

-Social media