AKP Phnom Penh, October 10, 2026 -- Cambodian Prime Minister Samdech Moha Borvor Thipadei Hun Manet on Saturday challenged opposition politician Um Sam An to a face-to-face debate with official border experts over allegations surrounding the Cambodia-Thailand border.

In a statement posted on his official Facebook page on Saturday afternoon, Prime Minister Samdech Thipadei Hun Manet noted that Um Sam An, a former convict previously jailed for spreading unfounded claims about border issues, has recently re-emerged claiming to be a border expert.

Samdech Thipadei Hun Manet said Um Sam An has continued to make groundless statements regarding the Cambodia-Thailand border. In recent days, the politician claimed that temporary boundary markers installed by the technical working group of the Cambodia-Thailand Joint Border Commission (JBC) between markers 52 and 59 encroached upon Cambodian territory, alleging that the Royal Government ceded land to Thailand in exchange for peace and power.

The Prime Minister emphasised that such assertions not only accuse the Royal Government but also directly slander Cambodian border officials who have dedicated decades to protecting the nation's sovereignty and territorial integrity with the highest level of responsibility. He characterised the allegations as grave and unacceptable.

To ensure transparency, accountability, and responsibility to the public, as well as to give Um Sam An and his team an opportunity to demonstrate their actual capabilities and back up their claims, Samdech Thipadei Hun Manet extended a formal five-point offer:

1. Direct Dialogue: Inviting Um Sam An and his technical team to bring all documents and evidence regarding the border between boundary markers 52 and 59 to engage in an open and direct discussion with border experts from the Secretariat of State for Border Affairs in Cambodia.

2. Monitored Transparency: While confidential border negotiations prevent the broadcasting of sensitive information widely on social media, the debate will be open to journalists, political party representatives, civil society organisations, students, intellectuals, and members of the public to witness and hear the facts firsthand.

3. Safety Guarantee: Ensuring full security for Um Sam An and his team during their stay in Cambodia until their departure.

4. Travel Assistance: Offering to cover round-trip airfare if Um Sam A lacks financial resources.

5. Accommodation and Transport: Providing free local transport and lodging throughout their stay in Cambodia.

Prime Minister Hun Manet stated that the invitation is not intended as a confrontation, but rather as a demonstration of transparency and responsibility toward the Cambodian people while border affairs with Thailand remain ongoing. He added that the Royal Government has nothing to hide and that its technical team stands ready for a direct dialogue.

Expressing hope that Um Sam An will accept the invitation, Samdech Thipadei Hun Manet urged the politician, who frequently speaks on border issues across various platforms, not to make excuses or evade the opportunity to present his evidence before observers and the Cambodian public.

By K. Rithy Reak