Cambodian Scholar Supports Role of Major Powers in Border Mediation

PHNOM PENH, Cambodia (Oct. 9, 2025) — Yang Peou, secretary-general of the Royal Academy of Cambodia, voiced support Thursday for the involvement of major international powers in mediating the Cambodia-Thailand border dispute, citing rising tensions and recent military standoffs.

Speaking at the 4th Phnom Penh Forum, held under the theme “Multilateralism vs. Unilateralism: Strategic Autonomy and ASEAN’s Policy Choices,” Peou reaffirmed Cambodia’s commitment to peaceful conflict resolution and welcomed neutral mediation efforts from friendly global actors.

“Cambodia, as a peace-loving nation, supports the role of all friendly major powers in resolving this dispute,” Peou said.

He acknowledged that public opinion often blames both countries for the ongoing tensions but said Cambodia views Thailand’s actions as violations of its sovereignty. He warned that internal disunity could leave Cambodia vulnerable to external manipulation.

Peou cautioned against blaming international powers for the crisis, saying Japan, China, South Korea and the United States are all friends and partners of Cambodia. “They should not be portrayed as instigators,” he said.

He referenced China’s reported submarine deal with Thailand and Japan’s call to reopen the border, but said those actions should not be interpreted as taking sides. “These matters should not be linked to the Cambodia-Thailand conflict,” he said.

Peou praised Malaysia’s role in international mediation within the ASEAN framework and urged Cambodia to remain open to external facilitation, even if Thailand resists such involvement.

He said that despite existing bilateral mechanisms, International Court of Justice rulings and historic treaties such as the Franco-Siam agreements, Thailand has yet to fully comply — further justifying the need for international mediation.

Peou called on Cambodians to stand united and urged journalists to promote national cohesion during times of foreign dispute. “Unity is our most powerful weapon,” he said.