Cambodia presses Thailand for peaceful border talks, warns of “difficult” negotiations

PHNOM PENH, March 27, 2026 (KPT) – Cambodia has renewed calls for Thailand to resume technical negotiations on their disputed frontier, stressing its commitment to peaceful settlement but warning that talks remain “very difficult” due to Bangkok’s reliance on military power.

Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Prak Sokhonn told displaced families in Pursat province on Friday that Phnom Penh would continue seeking international support to press its case.

“What we want is to resolve this peacefully through legal means. But it is very difficult to talk with those who have military power and weapons,” he said.

Sokhonn highlighted Prime Minister Hun Manet’s diplomatic outreach in the United States and Europe, insisting Cambodia does not seek a military solution and urging Thailand to respect treaties and international law.

The foreign ministry called for talks under the Joint Boundary Commission, dismissing a Thai Senate proposal to scrap a 2000 border memorandum as politically motivated.

Political analyst Yang Peou warned that Thailand’s reluctance to engage through established frameworks signaled a retreat from dialogue.

More than 36,000 Cambodians remain displaced, with spokesman Pen Bona accusing Thai forces of creating “new facts on the ground.”

He urged Bangkok to honor commitments made under a December 2025 joint statement prioritizing civilian areas to ensure lasting peace and safe returns.