AKP Phnom Penh, February 19, 2026 ​-- The Royal Government Spokesperson today briefed the nation on the international missions of Samdech Moha Bovor Thipadei Hun Manet, Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Cambodia, highlighting that they exemplify the Royal Government's active diplomacy, intrinsically linked to its duty to safeguard territorial integrity and protect its citizens.

In a press conference on the "Update on Developments in the Cambodia-Thailand Border Situation" held this morning at the Office of the Council of Ministers, H.E. Pen Bona, Spokesperson of the Royal Government of Cambodia, stated that Samdech Thipadei Hun Manet is currently undertaking a crucial diplomatic mission in the United States, before continuing his visits to Europe. His presence in the U.S. is to participate in the inaugural meeting of the Board of Peace at the invitation of H.E. President Donald J. Trump. 

Additionally, the Prime Minister is scheduled to hold bilateral meetings with U.S. dignitaries and leaders from several other nations. 

Subsequently, he will travel to Europe, with planned visits to Geneva and Brussels for discussions with European leaders and other relevant parties.

Prior to the Board of Peace’s inaugural meeting in the U.S., on Feb. 17, 2026, the Prime Minister granted an interview to the British news agency Reuters regarding the Cambodia-Thailand border situation.

During the interview, Samdech Thipadei informed the international news agency that following clashes last year, Thai armed forces have occupied Cambodian territory at several locations, encroaching beyond the border line based on Thailand's unilateral claim, despite a ceasefire facilitated by U.S. President Donald Trump.

Samdech Thipadei Hun Manet also highlighted Thailand's deployment of shipping containers and barbed wire within Cambodian territory, which has prevented nearly 80,000 Cambodian civilians from returning to their homes, underscoring the fragile situation along the border. He clarified that his statements were not accusations, but a reflection of the ground reality, emphasising that Cambodia cannot accept such violations of its sovereignty and territorial integrity.

The Prime Minister expressed hope that the Thai side would permit the Joint Boindary Commission (JBC) to commence the work of surveying and demarcating the border promptly, as agreed in the Joint Statement of Dec. 27, 2025, to allow residents to return to their homes.

He further expressed optimism that the Board of Peace meeting convened by President Donald Trump would be a valuable complement to existing international mechanisms in de-escalating tensions and restoring stability and peace in various conflict-affected regions, including the Cambodia-Thailand border issue.

Through this interview, Cambodia's voice resonated globally, drawing increased international attention to Thailand's infringements upon Cambodian territorial integrity and its citizens.

Crucially, Cambodia's steadfast commitment to pacifism and adherence to international law through the pursuit of peaceful solutions demonstrates a mature, nuanced, and correct diplomatic approach. This aligns with the objectives of the international community and the very spirit of the Board of Peace meeting currently underway in Washington, D.C.

Other bilateral meetings with U.S. dignitaries and European Union leaders, as well as various relevant institutions during Samdech Thipadei Hun Manet's current international mission, further underscore the Royal Government of Cambodia's proactive foreign policy. This policy aims to strengthen cooperative ties with friendly nations and development partners, as well as to attract tourists and investment.

The Royal Government Spokesperson reiterated Samdech Thipadei's assertion that the defence of territorial integrity and the protection of the people are the paramount priorities of the Royal Government.

In this context, it is certain that this critical issue constitutes a significant part of the diplomatic mission of the Prime Minister and the high-level Cambodian delegation. The objective is to promote a peaceful and just resolution to the border issue with Thailand through mutually agreed mechanisms and on the basis of international law, which remains Cambodia's unwavering stance.

The Royal Government Spokesperson reaffirms Cambodia's absolute position in safeguarding the international border line between Cambodia and Thailand, as bequeathed by the Franco-Siamese Boundary Commission. This position is rooted in respect for the principles of international law, the principle of uti possidetis juris, the Franco-Siamese Convention and treaties, the maps and minutes of the Franco-Siamese Boundary Commission, as well as all past agreements and relevant documents mutually acknowledged by both parties. Cambodia absolutely rejects any unilateral alteration of the border line through the use of force. 

By K. Rithy Reak