Parliament President Endorses International Legal Approach in Thailand Dispute

PHNOM PENH, May 13, 2026 (KPT) — National Assembly President Samdech Khuon Sudary said Tuesday that Cambodia’s parliament fully supports the government’s handling of border issues with Thailand, backing efforts to resolve disputes through peaceful mechanisms and international law.

Presiding over an extraordinary session of the seventh legislature, Samdech Sudary said the Assembly’s 125 members endorsed the “firm and wise stance” adopted by Prime Minister Hun Manet’s government in addressing both maritime and land disputes.

She stressed Cambodia’s commitment to resolving tensions through existing legal frameworks and urged citizens at home and abroad to remain united in safeguarding territorial integrity.

Samdech Sudary called on Cambodians to demonstrate patriotism and confidence in the government as it works to settle border issues and pursue national development.

The statement comes amid heightened diplomatic tensions following Thailand’s cancellation of the 2001 memorandum of understanding governing negotiations over overlapping maritime claims.

Earlier this week, Senate President Samdech Techo Hun Sen reinforced the government’s position, saying there would be no attempt to establish a new bilateral mechanism to replace the cancelled agreement.

His remarks followed Thai media reports quoting Bangkok’s foreign minister as suggesting the UNCLOS process should first involve bilateral talks.

Samdech Techo said such a position contradicted Thailand’s own actions in unilaterally terminating the MoU‑2001, arguing that Bangkok had already dismantled the bilateral framework for negotiations over the disputed maritime area.