Cambodian Prime Minister Calls for Peaceful Resolution to Border Dispute With Thailand

PHNOM PENH, Cambodia (Sept.27, 2026) — Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet on Thursday reaffirmed his government’s commitment to peacefully resolving ongoing border disputes with Thailand, urging respect for Cambodia’s sovereignty and adherence to international law.

“Cambodia and Thailand have been neighbors for centuries and will remain so for generations to come,” Samdech Thipadei Hun Manet said in a statement. “It is essential that both countries continue to address border issues through peaceful dialogue and established mechanisms.”

The prime minister acknowledged that while the land boundary between the two countries remains partially undemarcated, communities on both sides have lived and farmed in these areas for decades. He said disputes have been managed through the General Border Committee, and more complex issues are being addressed by the Joint Commission for Demarcation of Land Boundary, in accordance with a 2000 memorandum of understanding signed by both governments.

Under the agreement, which is registered with the United Nations, both sides pledged to maintain the status quo until the demarcation process is complete. The process includes five stages: refixation and replacement of boundary pillars, production of orthophoto maps, plotting of survey lines, terrain inspection, and emplacement of boundary pillars.

Samdech Thipadei Hun Manet criticized recent claims by Thai officials and social media posts suggesting the boundary in Prey Chan and Chouk Chey villages had been settled. He said a satellite map posted Sept. 19 by a Facebook page titled “Royal Thai Army: Update” included a record co-signed by Cambodian and Thai survey team leaders, indicating a line between boundary pillars 42 and 43.

“These claims are inaccurate,” Samdech Thipadei said. “The teams agreed only on the location of BP 43, not BP 42. Moreover, survey teams do not have the authority to determine the final boundary line.”

He added that the signed record reflects only the first step of the five-step process and does not constitute a final agreement.

Samdech Thipadei Hun Manet also said satellite imagery and maps show Thai nationals have been farming several hectares of land within Cambodian territory, even under the unofficial line presented by Thai sources.

“This demonstrates the complexity of the issue and the need for both countries to resolve disputes through the Joint Commission,” he said. “Cambodia remains committed to a fair and peaceful resolution, and firmly opposes any attempt to alter borders by force.”

The prime minister concluded by emphasizing mutual respect: “Cambodia fully respects the sovereignty and territorial integrity of our neighbors, and we demand that our own sovereignty and territorial integrity be equally respected.”