AKP Phnom Penh, January 07, 2026​ --

The Royal Government of Cambodia on Wednesday reaffirmed its "unwavering" commitment to national sovereignty and territorial integrity, outlining a five-point strategic position to resolve ongoing border frictions with neighbouring Thailand through peaceful diplomacy.

The Royal Government Spokesperson H.E. Pen Bona, speaking during a live press briefing this morning, emphasised that the administration remains resolute in protecting its borders while prioritising the safety of its citizens.

The Royal Government highlighted five key pillars supporting its current stance:

1. High-Level Commitment to Peace

The President of the Senate and ruling Cambodian People’s Party (CPP) leader, Samdech Akka Moha Sena Padei Techo Hun Sen, marked the 47th anniversary of Victory Day by stating that Cambodia remains committed to ending the people’s suffering. He stressed that while Cambodia strictly adheres to the Dec. 27, 2025 ceasefire and the Kuala Lumpur Joint Declaration of Oct. 26, 2025, the Kingdom will "not make concessions on its sovereignty or dignity."

2. Right to Self-Defence and Diplomacy

Prime Minister Samdech Moha Borvor Thipadei Hun Manet clarified that choosing a ceasefire is not an admission of weakness. "The decision to implement a ceasefire does not mean Cambodia has surrendered or is trading territorial integrity for peace," the Prime Minister stated in a recent message to the armed forces. He noted that Cambodia retains its full right to self-defence and will resolve border issues based on existing international treaties and bilateral mechanisms.

3. Legal Basis of Borders

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation reiterated that the land border is clearly defined by maps produced under the 1904 Convention and the 1907 Treaty between France and Siam (now Thailand). The Ministry emphasised the principle that international borders cannot be altered through the use of force.

4. Technical and Historical Integrity

The State Secretariat for Border Affairs confirmed that the Cambodia-Thailand Joint Border Commission (JBC) maintains a firm stance based on the principle of intangibility of frontiers (Uti possidetis juris). They remain committed to the demarcations left by the Franco-Siamese commissions, asserting that historical documents and maps agreed upon by both parties are non-negotiable.

5. International Mediation and Agreements

The Royal Government pointed to a series of successful diplomatic milestones, including the July 2025 Putrajaya ceasefire initiated by the United States and moderated by Malaysia (as ASEAN Chair), with active participation from China. This was followed by the Kuala Lumpur Peace Statement in October 2025 and the most recent Joint Statement of the 3rd Special General Border Committee (GBC) meeting on Dec. 27, 2025, which led to the current ceasefire.

Allegations of Border Incursions

Despite the diplomatic push, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation H.E. Prak Sokhonn expressed "grave concern" during a briefing with 55 representatives from 33 foreign missions in Phnom Penh on Tuesday.

He cited ongoing alleged incursions by Thai armed forces into Cambodian territory across four provinces: Banteay Meanchey, Pursat, Preah Vihear, and Oddar Meanchey.

H.E. Prak Sokhonn reaffirmed that Cambodia is fully committed to the UN and ASEAN Charters, seeking a resolution that avoids further escalation.

The Royal Government Spokesperson concluded by urging national unity, stating that the "solidarity of the Cambodian people" serves as a backbone for the Royal Government’s efforts to defend its legal sovereignty through peaceful negotiation and international law.

By K. Rithy Reak