Phnom penh: The Ministry of Cult and Religion has issued a protest against the Thai military's installation of a Buddha statue in an area within Cambodia's sovereign territory in Preah Vihear province.
According to Agence Kampuchea Presse, the Ministry released a statement on Jan. 22, indicating that the protest aligns with a press release from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation on Jan. 21, 2026. This release addressed activities undertaken by Thai armed forces in occupied areas.
The Ministry of Cult and Religion reported that the Buddha statue was installed by the Thai military in An Ses village, Choam Ksan commune, Choam Ksan district. The Ministry highlighted that this site previously hosted a statue of Lord Vishnu, which had been destroyed by Thai military forces.
The Ministry declared that the installation of the Buddha statue violates Cambodia's sovereignty and breaches international law principles prohibiting the acquisition of territory through force.
Additionally, the Ministry noted that this action contradicts Thailand's commitments to resolving disputes peacefully, as outlined in the Ceasefire Agreement of July 28, 2025, and other agreements, including the minutes of previous General Border Committee meetings, the Joint Declaration on Peace and Peaceful Dispute Resolution from Oct. 26, 2025, and the Joint Statement from the Special Meeting of the General Border Committee on Dec. 27, 2025.
The Ministry stressed the importance of these agreements, which compel both parties to avoid unilateral actions. It urged the Thai military to respect international law and adhere to its treaty obligations.