Cambodia Reiterates Border Stance; Says Agreement Not Force Must Resolve Dispute

PHNOM PENH, July 22, 2026 (KPT) – Cambodia has reiterated its position that the country’s border with Thailand must be determined by existing international agreements and cannot be changed through force, as Phnom Penh continues to highlight the humanitarian impact of the dispute on civilians.

Government spokesperson Pen Bona said Wednesday that Cambodia remained committed to protecting the demarcation inherited from the former Indochina–Siam Boundary Commission, citing international law, historical treaties, maps and border records as the basis for its stance.

He said Cambodia did not recognise any changes resulting from the use of force, adding that temporary structures such as barbed wire or shipping containers could not replace an internationally recognised boundary.

“The protection of sovereignty, territorial integrity and the people remains the highest priority of the Royal Government,” Bona said, noting Cambodian leaders had raised the issue with regional and international partners.

The statement followed remarks by Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Prak Sokhonn at ASEAN meetings in Manila on July 20, where he said more than 20,000 Cambodian civilians remained in temporary shelters.

Many children had been unable to return to school, while elderly people and other vulnerable groups faced difficulties accessing necessary support. He urged ASEAN members to back efforts allowing displaced residents to return home safely, without obstruction and with dignity.

Cambodia has also sought wider backing. The Parliamentary Assembly of La Francophonie adopted a resolution on July 11 expressing concern over civilian casualties, displacement and reported violations linked to the dispute.

It urged respect for Cambodia’s sovereignty, avoidance of actions that could heighten tensions, and implementation of a joint statement signed by Cambodian and Thai leaders in Kuala Lumpur in October 2025.

Officials said Cambodia will continue using diplomatic channels to address the dispute, insisting border issues must be resolved through agreements and international legal principles.