Bangkok: The Royal Thai Army has asserted its dedication to reorganizing territorial waters within Thai jurisdiction, following longstanding encroachments by Cambodia. The Thai military has dismissed recent Cambodian accusations of territorial seizure, clarifying that their actions are confined to Thai territory.
According to Thai News Agency, the clarification came after the Cambodian Ministry of Foreign Affairs issued a protest letter to Thailand, alleging that Thai forces had occupied land within Cambodian territory across four provinces. In response, Major General Winthai Suvari, spokesperson for the Royal Thai Army, stated on January 3, 2026, "We confirm that the Thai side did not occupy any area within Cambodian territory. All areas that the Thai side has taken control of and is managing are within Thai territory."
The issue stems from a longstanding misunderstanding of the demarcation line along the Thai-Cambodian border, resulting in Cambodian encroachments. Cambodian forces have reportedly deployed troops, established military bases, and supported civilian constructions on lands they believed to be theirs. In response, Thailand has filed numerous protests through the MOU 43 mechanism.
The spokesperson further emphasized that Thailand's actions are within its sovereign rights, suggesting that Cambodia's encroachments have led them to mistakenly assert ownership over Thai territories. Recent developments indicate that Cambodia now acknowledges these areas as part of Thailand, contradicting their previous claims.