On February 23, 2026, Her Excellency Eat Sophea, Acting Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation of Cambodia, led foreign diplomatic missions and international agencies accredited to the Kingdom of Cambodia on a direct inspection visit to the Boeung Trakuon area in Thma Puok District, Banteay Meanchey Province. The delegation observed alleged encroachment activities by Thai forces and subsequently visited the Wat Kandal safety center, which houses displaced persons. The majority of these displaced individuals originate from Boeung Trakuon, having been dislocated following purported aggressive actions by Thai forces, including the laying of barbed wire, the enclosure of parts of their villages, and the destruction of their homes. This diplomatic observation aimed to clearly demonstrate the alleged violations by Thai forces against Cambodian sovereignty, actions which are contrary to international law.
This visit underscores significant violations of a ceasefire agreement reached on December 27, 2025, wherein both parties had mutually agreed, specifically under Point 4, to allow affected civilians to return to their homes in border areas to resume normal livelihoods expeditiously, without obstruction and with safety and dignity. Conversely, Thai forces are reportedly establishing a new reality on the ground (fait accompli) through the deployment of barbed wire, placement of containers, and destruction of civilian residences, a situation that is categorically unacceptable to Cambodia.
The Royal Government of Cambodia has formally protested these actions through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, unequivocally rejecting such activities. Cambodia steadfastly refuses to recognize any alteration of the border line or illegal territorial occupation achieved through the use of force, which fundamentally contravenes international law.