Spokesman Rejects Claims Samdech Hun Sen Advocated Military Solution to Thai Border Dispute

PHNOM PENH, June 9, 2026 (KPT) – A spokesperson for Cambodian Senate President on Tuesday rejected reports in Thai media suggesting he had called for military action to resolve border disputes with Thailand.

Chea Thyrith, Samdech TechoHun Sen’s spokesperson, said the reports misrepresented remarks made during a visit to displaced civilians in Banteay Meanchey province earlier in the day.

According to Thyrith, Samdech Techo Hun Sen did not announce any intention to use force. On the contrary, he explicitly ruled out military action as a means of addressing the dispute.

Samdech Techo Hun Sen, he said, outlined two theoretical approaches: the use of military force to reclaim territory claimed to be occupied by Thailand, or a peaceful resolution through international legal mechanisms.

“The Acting Head of State clearly stated that Cambodia is committed to pursuing a peaceful resolution based on international legal mechanisms,” Thyrith stressed.

The spokesperson added that Samdech Techo Hun Sen’s remarks reaffirmed Cambodia’s longstanding position that border issues should be resolved through dialogue and legal processes.

He urged Thai media outlets to correct what he described as inaccurate reporting and to avoid publishing information that could undermine efforts to settle disputes between the two neighbours.