Cambodia Reaffirms Commitment to Peaceful Defense of Sovereignty

PHNOM PENH, Jan.08,2026 (KPT) — Cambodia’s government has reiterated its commitment to defending national sovereignty and territorial integrity through peaceful means, amid ongoing tensions along the Cambodia-Thailand border.

Government spokesman Pen Bona told reporters Thursday that Phnom Penh remains firm in its position that disputes must be resolved diplomatically and in accordance with international law.

He cited recent statements by senior Cambodian leaders as evidence of this approach.
In a message marking the 47th anniversary of January 7 Victory Day, Senate President and ruling party leader Hun Sen said Cambodia remained focused on ending suffering, preventing destruction and pursuing lasting peace, while making no concessions on sovereignty or national dignity.

Bona said Cambodia is fully implementing the ceasefire agreed Dec. 27, 2025, as well as the Kuala Lumpur Joint Statement of Oct. 26, in order to restore peace and stability.

Prime Minister Hun Manet, in a separate message issued Dec. 29, said agreeing to a ceasefire did not amount to surrender or a loss of Cambodia’s right to self-defense. He said the decision reflected a priority to protect civilian lives and welfare.

The prime minister also reaffirmed that the Cambodia-Thailand border continues to be governed by existing treaties and conventions, and that border issues must be resolved through established bilateral mechanisms and international law.

The Foreign Ministry said earlier this month that Cambodia and Thailand share an internationally recognized border defined by maps produced under agreements signed in 1904 and 1907.

It reiterated Cambodia’s position that borders must not be altered by force and that disputes should be settled peacefully.

Cambodia’s Secretariat of State for Border Affairs has also said the Joint Boundary Commission remains committed to defending the internationally recognized border, based on historical treaties, maps and demarcation records.

Bona noted that Cambodia’s diplomatic stance has resulted in several agreements with Thailand, including a ceasefire reached in Putrajaya in July 2025, the Kuala Lumpur Joint Statement in October, and the most recent ceasefire agreed at a Special General Border Committee meeting on Dec. 27, which took effect at midday the same day.

To brief the international community, Foreign Minister Prak Sokhonn met diplomats and representatives of international organizations in Phnom Penh on Jan. 6. According to the government, 33 diplomatic missions attended.

During the meeting, Prak Sokhonn expressed concern over what Cambodia described as continued violations of its territory by Thai armed forces in four provinces: Banteay Meanchey, Pursat, Preah Vihear and Oddar Meanchey.

He reaffirmed Cambodia’s commitment to the ceasefire and to resolving disputes peacefully in line with international law, the U.N. Charter and the ASEAN Charter.

Bona concluded that Cambodia’s leadership remains committed to defending sovereignty through diplomacy and peaceful negotiations, saying these efforts have reassured the public and strengthened national unity.