Cambodia Protests Thai Border Operation Exposing Scam Sites

Cambodia has filed its strongest diplomatic protest against Thailand, accusing Thai authorities of conducting an unauthorized field visit by foreign military and law enforcement officials in Cambodian territory. The incident occurred on February 2nd when Thai intelligence officials led foreign military attachés, FBI officers, and international media to inspect suspected scam sites in O'Smach district, Oddar Meanchey province, without Cambodian government consent. During the inspection, abandoned buildings believed to be used by international call-center fraud gangs were discovered, including fake police stations, mock government offices, and counterfeit US dollar banknotes. Cambodia claims the sites were located in an area seized by Thai armed forces during border clashes in December 2025 and argues that the operation violated its sovereignty and international legal principles.