Cambodia Rejects Border Changes ‘Imposed by Force’, Urges Thailand to Resume Demarcation

PHNOM PENH, May 18, 2026 (KPT) — Cambodia has reaffirmed it will not recognise any modification of its international border with Thailand that contradicts existing treaties or results from the use of force, government spokesman Pen Bona said Monday.

Bona stressed Phnom Penh “absolutely does not recognise” changes inconsistent with the Franco‑Siamese treaties, conventions and maps produced by the Indochina‑Siam Boundary Commission, as well as records of the Joint Boundary Commission (JBC) and related bilateral agreements.

He said Cambodia rejects border adjustments “in the past, present or future” if imposed by force.

The government called on Thailand to dispatch Joint Survey Teams to conduct on‑site measurements and urged both sides to convene a JBC meeting as soon as possible to continue demarcation work.

Bona said Cambodia remains committed to implementing agreements reached between the two countries, including the joint statement issued after the December 2025 General Border Committee meeting and the October 2025 peace accord.

He also referred to Prime Minister Hun Manet’s remarks during a trilateral press conference in Cebu on May 7, stressing peaceful dialogue and respect for international law.

Cambodia said only the JBC and its survey teams have authority to determine and verify border lines, not armed forces or local authorities.

An ASEAN Observer Team led by the Philippines visited disputed areas in Banteay Meanchey province on May 17 to monitor conditions along the frontier.