Government, Analysts Warn Exiled Opposition Over ‘Misleading’ Border Map Claims

PHNOM PENH, Cambodia (Nov. 28, 2025) — Cambodian officials and analysts have warned that exiled opposition figures are fueling unnecessary controversy by using what they describe as unverified or unrecognized maps in public claims about the country’s border with Thailand.

Geopolitical analyst Yang Peou told KPT English the border dispute is a complex technical matter that cannot be resolved through political activism or nationalist rhetoric.

“The border cannot be defined using complicated or unrecognised maps, or maps with no clear sources,” he said, noting that opposition groups had circulated maps from a U.S. library and online platforms such as Google that carry no official recognition.

Government spokesman Pen Bona told KPT English that the exiled opposition lacked expertise in border demarcation and relevant legal documents, citing former CNRP politician Um Sam An, who previously faced legal action over similar claims.

“If they were experts, they would already have the proper maps. This is lying to the Cambodian people,” he said.

Philosophy professor Chhot Bunthong stressed that only maps held by the United Nations and documents jointly recognised by Cambodia and Thailand can be used in official demarcation. He said the Siam–French treaty map remains the sole valid reference.

Prime Minister Hun Manet also criticized recent claims by Um Sam An, calling them misleading and lacking technical or legal foundation.

He urged politicians and commentators without expertise to refrain from making border claims and said the government is prepared to provide briefings on accepted methods of map analysis.