Cambodia Tells UN Thai Attacks Divert Funds From Development Priorities

PHNOM PENH, April 24, 2026 (KPT) — Cambodia has urged the international community to factor in the economic and humanitarian costs of conflict when designing global development financing frameworks, citing the impact of border tensions with Thailand on its sustainable development agenda.

Speaking at the UN Economic and Social Council Forum on Financing for Development Follow Up in New York, Deputy Secretary General of the Council for the Development of Cambodia Chou Heng said Phnom Penh welcomed the adoption of the Sevilla Commitment in July 2025, describing it as a renewed global framework for financing sustainable development.

He said Cambodia’s efforts to implement the agreement had been undermined by armed clashes it claims were initiated by Thailand since 2025.

According to Cambodia’s statement, the violence has left more than 100 civilians dead and displaced over 650,000 people.

As of February 2026, some 80,000 remained displaced, including 50,000 women and 30,000 children, while dozens of schools and health facilities remain closed.

He said the disruptions to cross border trade, tourism and economic activity have slowed recovery, while public funds have been redirected to humanitarian aid, reconstruction and defence spending.

This has reduced resources available for health, education, social protection and SDG related programmes.

Cambodia called for donors and international institutions to account for conflict related fiscal shocks in financing policies, and urged increased concessional funding and debt relief for countries affected by external conflict.

The government reiterated its support for peaceful resolution in line with the UN Charter and international law, noting a ceasefire has been in place since March 2026, though sporadic incidents continue.

“Sustainable peace and sustainable development are inseparable,” Cambodia’s representative said, stressing that achieving global goals requires both financial support and sustained political commitment.