Samdech Techo Hun Sen Denies Military Action Call in Thai Border Dispute, Urges Media Correction

SIEM REAP, June 10, 2026 (KPT) — Cambodian Senate President Samdech Techo Hun Sen on Wednesday rejected reports in Thai media claiming he had advocated military force to resolve a border dispute, insisting his remarks were misrepresented and urging broadcasters to issue corrections.

“I never said that Cambodia would use force to reclaim land,” Samdech Techo told reporters, stressing that his comments had been distorted.

“I did not say using forces to bring back that land.” He reiterated that Cambodia remains firmly opposed to the use of force and is committed to peaceful settlement through international legal mechanisms.

Samdech Techo said he had asked Cambodian media to relay his clarification to Thai outlets, adding that Cambodia’s position is anchored in diplomacy and law.

He also claimed the international community viewed Thailand as having initiated armed clashes along the frontier, though he did not provide evidence.

The remarks followed Thai media reports suggesting Samdech Techo Hun Sen had proposed military action alongside diplomacy.

His spokesperson, Chea Thyrith, dismissed those accounts as misrepresentations, saying Hun Sen had only outlined hypothetical scenarios during a visit to displaced civilians in Banteay Meanchey province.

Thyrith reaffirmed that Cambodia’s stance remains focused on peaceful resolution through international legal channels.

“The Acting Head of State clearly stated that Cambodia is committed to pursuing a peaceful resolution,” he said.

The exchange underscores sensitivities in Cambodia–Thailand relations, where border disputes have periodically flared into armed clashes despite repeated pledges to resolve differences peacefully.