PM Hun Manet says international law key to lasting peace in Thai border dispute

PHNOM PENH, Feb 10, 2026 (KPT) – Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet on Tuesday reaffirmed that international law and peaceful dialogue remain the government’s only path to resolving border disputes with Thailand, calling it the sole guarantee of lasting peace and national stability.

Speaking at a ceremony honouring top scoring students in national examinations, Samdech Thipadei Hun Manet said Cambodia’s position was firm and unchanged despite the challenges of pursuing a rules based approach.

“Solving border issues based on international law and peaceful means is the Cambodian government’s firm stance, and it will not change,” he declared.

The prime minister acknowledged that such a process could be slow and difficult, but insisted it was the only way to safeguard sovereignty and ensure stability for citizens.

He recalled that areas along the frontier had once been battlegrounds but were later transformed into zones of cooperation, before tensions re emerged in recent months.

Samdech Thipadei stressed that Cambodia did not seek armed confrontation, though past clashes were a matter of self defence.

“Armed conflict is not what the Cambodian government wants, but there was no choice other than to protect citizens,” he said.

He added that Cambodia’s foreign policy aimed to ensure borders were defined by friendship, peace and cooperation.

Referring specifically to Thailand, Samdech Thipadei Hun Manet said the government would continue working to restore cooperation and stability, with the aim of returning the situation to normal and supporting development in line with national policy.

The Interior Ministry reported this week that more than 86,000 people remain displaced despite a ceasefire agreed in late December, with schools and health facilities still closed in several provinces.

Officials said nearly 560,000 displaced residents have returned home, but essential services remain disrupted.