Government Spokesman Clarifies Position on Thai Border Talks, Rejects Thai Media Claim

PHNOM PENH, March 11, 2026 (KPT) — Cambodia has reaffirmed its position on border negotiations with Thailand, stressing that talks should resume “at the earliest opportunity” and rejecting reports suggesting they would be delayed until after the New Year.

Government spokesman Pen Bona told reporters Wednesday that Cambodia fully respects the joint statement issued on December 27, 2025, and other existing agreements, and supports the immediate resumption of the Joint Boundary Commission (JBC).

He said Cambodia’s aim is to resolve outstanding border issues and ensure lasting peace along the frontier.

Since the second ceasefire took effect on December 27, the State Secretariat of Border Affairs has sent five official letters to Thailand requesting joint survey teams to conduct on-site measurements and demarcation work.

The clarification followed Thai media reports quoting Foreign Minister Sihasak Phuangketkeow as saying Prime Minister Hun Manet had indicated negotiations would take place after the New Year.

Bona dismissed the claim as incorrect, stressing the prime minister “never made any statement or posted on social media” suggesting such a delay.