Cambodia–Thailand Border Dispute: Experts Urge Legal and Diplomatic Solutions

PHNOM PENH, Jan 26, 2026 (KPT) – Cambodian experts say resolving the long standing border dispute with Thailand through international law, treaties and diplomacy remains the most effective way to ensure peace and stability, warning that military options would carry serious risks.

Political science scholar Kin Phea said the issue should be settled on the basis of treaties, bilateral agreements and internationally recognised maps, noting that French colonial records remain the most important source of legal documents.

He argued the main obstacle is not a lack of evidence but what he described as insufficient commitment from Thailand to pursue a peaceful settlement.

Phea urged Cambodia to strengthen defence, diplomacy and unity at home, warning that internal divisions had already cost the country lives and territory.

“Political violence and discrimination have weakened Cambodia before. Continued infighting would only erode our sovereignty further,” he said.

Separately, lawyer Sok Samoeun outlined legal avenues, including the Joint Boundary Commission and General Border Committee under memoranda signed in 2001 and 2003, which rely on French Siam maps.

He said Cambodia could also seek mediation through ASEAN or pursue action at the United Nations and the International Court of Justice, though such processes would take years and require skilled diplomacy.

Sok cautioned against military options, saying they carried significant risks, required extensive resources and could destabilise the wider region.

Government spokesman Pen Bona reaffirmed Cambodia’s commitment to ceasefire agreements and stressed the border is defined by historical treaties and international law, including the principle of uti possidetis juris.

“Cambodia will not recognise any alteration of the boundary line resulting from the use of force,” he said.

Officials noted that nearly 700 official communications had been issued in recent months, alongside diplomatic briefings and outreach to foreign governments, underscoring Cambodia’s determination to defend its sovereignty while keeping the dispute within legal and diplomatic frameworks.