Foreign Ministry rejects “distorted” claims over border stance with Thailand

PHNOM PENH, March 30, 2026 (KPT) – The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation of Cambodia on Monday denounced what it called “malicious distortions” of remarks by Deputy Prime Minister Prak Sokhonn, rejecting claims that Phnom Penh was prepared to cede land to Thailand.

In a statement, the ministry said Sokhonn’s comments during a March 27 meeting with displaced residents in Pursat province had been twisted by a group with “corrupt political agendas.”

Officials stressed that Sokhonn had reaffirmed the government’s long-standing position: border disputes must be resolved peacefully, in line with international law, treaties and bilateral mechanisms.

“The ministry strongly rejects and condemns this misrepresentation,” the spokesperson said, adding that Cambodia’s stance has remained consistent at national and international forums.

The ministry pointed to maps drawn under the 1904 Convention and 1907 Treaty between France and Siam, and to the Joint Boundary Commission established in 2000, as the legal basis for ongoing demarcation.

It reiterated that any discrepancies found during border verification should be addressed reciprocally, with land returned equally by both sides, and reaffirmed Cambodia’s opposition to the use of force in settling disputes.