Samdech Hun Manet Vows Peaceful Resolution to Border Dispute with Thailand

PHNOM PENH, Cambodia (Oct.23, 2015) — Prime Minister Hun Manet on Thursday reaffirmed Cambodia’s commitment to a peaceful and lawful resolution of the ongoing border dispute with Thailand in the villages of Chhouk Chey and Prey Chan.

Speaking at a public event, Samdech Thipadei Hun Manet said recent talks between the two countries had made “clearer progress,” with both sides engaging based on technical principles and legal frameworks.

“The problems began when the Thai military used traps and military vehicle tires to fence off houses and farmland belonging to local residents,” he said. “This has caused hardship for residents and raised tensions among Khmer citizens both inside and outside the country.”

Samdech Thipadei emphasized that the government’s top priority is to prevent escalation and pursue patient, nonviolent solutions.

“Violent approaches would only worsen the situation and delay resolution,” he said.

He acknowledged public frustration over the slow pace of negotiations and addressed concerns about Thai activities such as land clearing and mine removal near the disputed areas. He also rejected speculation that Cambodia had made secret deals to cede territory in exchange for ceasefire arrangements.

“Cambodia does not violate the sovereignty of neighboring countries, nor does it accept violations of its own sovereignty,” he said.

Samdech Thipadei Hun Manet noted that border disputes in the region have remained unresolved for centuries and called for continued cooperation based on fairness, mutual agreement, and adherence to established treaties and protocols.

He said the Cambodia-Thailand Joint Border Commission (JBC), which oversees demarcation efforts, has worked effectively for two decades despite unfinished tasks.
At the most recent JBC meeting, held Oct. 21–22, both sides discussed resolving conflicts between boundary markers 42 and 47.

They agreed to continue technical surveys and temporarily place markers based on the 1907 treaty map and French-Siamese Boundary Commission records, cross-referenced with actual land occupation.

“This method offers the best chance for a long-term solution that will allow residents to live and work normally again, preventing future escalation,” Samdech Thipadei Hun Manet said.