AKP Phnom Penh, September 09, 2025 -- Amid attempts by some groups to exploit the Cambodia-Thailand border situation for political gain, Prime Minister Samdech Moha Borvor Thipadei Hun Manet today provided clarification on four key issues to prevent public confusion.

In a message shared on his official social media platforms, Samdech Thipadei addressed four main questions: 1-Why has the Royal Government remained relatively silent? 2-Did the Government order frontline troops to withdraw after the ceasefire negotiations? 3-Were there conditions related to land swaps in past negotiations? And 4-Has the Government and the Ministry of National Defence failed to support frontline troops, leaving only private donations to assist them?

The Prime Minister stressed that in times of rapid change and uncertainty, consistent information is crucial to avoid public misunderstanding. For this reason, the Government has established a spokesperson group—comprising representatives of the Royal Government, the Ministry of National Defence, and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation (MFAIC)—to regularly share updates. He added that other institutions, including MFAIC, the Ministry of Information, the Secretariat of State for Border Affairs, and provincial administrations, also issue regular updates to keep the public informed.

On the second point, Samdech Thipadei confirmed that the Royal Government never ordered frontline troops to withdraw following the July 28 ceasefire negotiations. Neither side was asked to pull back from their positions, he stressed.

Regarding land swaps, he clarified that no such conditions were ever attached in past negotiations. The July 28 talks in Malaysia focused solely on achieving a ceasefire. Previous bilateral meetings, including extraordinary sessions of the General Border Committee (GBC) and the Regional Border Committee (RBC), never discussed border demarcation. All outcomes from these meetings were made public, and no secret negotiations were held outside the official framework.

He further reaffirmed that Cambodia has consistently pursued a peaceful resolution to border issues through the existing mechanisms, namely the Cambodia–Thailand Joint Border Commission (JBC), in accordance with bilateral agreements, relevant treaties, and international law.

The Prime Minister also rejected claims that the Royal Government had neglected its forces. “Please understand that ministries and state institutions do not publish every detail of their work to support the frontline troops. This may lead some to mistakenly think the Government has not paid attention to their needs,” he explained.

He emphasised that the Government remains attentive not only to frontline forces and residents in border areas but also to all citizens and armed forces nationwide. At the same time, he expressed gratitude to the Cambodian people for their patriotism and solidarity in providing food and supplies to soldiers, complementing government efforts.

“The Royal Government has always welcomed the spirit of Khmer solidarity—Khmer helping Khmer—since before the outbreak of hostilities on July 24. This is a difficult time, and we must stand united to overcome challenges together,” he stressed.

Samdech Thipadei concluded by expressing hope that his clarifications would dispel misunderstandings circulating on social media and called on the public to place trust in the Government, which is working tirelessly—though often behind the scenes—for the greater good of the nation and its people.

By Heng Panha