AKP Phnom Penh, February 27, 2026 -- The Royal Government of Cambodia on Friday highlighted what it described as intensified diplomatic efforts at home and abroad to safeguard national interests, particularly territorial integrity and the protection of civilians, while seeking a peaceful resolution to tensions along the Thai border.

Royal Government Spokesperson H.E. Pen Bona said in a statement on the latest developments along the Cambodia-Thailand border that Prime Minister Samdech Moha Borvor Thipadei Hun Manet had returned to the country on Feb. 26 after a diplomatic mission to the United States and Europe.

The trip reflected the Royal Government’s active international engagement to promote national interests and defend Cambodia’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, he said, adding that Cambodia remains committed to addressing disputes through peaceful means and in accordance with international law.

Domestically, diplomatic initiatives and formal protests have continued, the spokesman said. On February 27, the Ministry of Culture and Fine Arts rejected remarks by Thai Foreign Minister Sihasak Phuangketkeow alleging that Cambodia had used Preah Vihear Temple as a military base.

The ministry said the temple is a cultural and religious site of universal value and has never been used for military purposes, adding that the World Heritage-listed site and surrounding areas under Cambodian sovereignty had suffered significant damage from Thai military attacks.

On Feb. 26, Cambodia’s Coordinating Group facilitated a visit by ASEAN Observer Team (AOT) to inspect conditions on the ground at the Preah Vihear Temple area and at An Seh village in Preah Vihear province. Observers also examined civilian infrastructure, including homes that authorities said were heavily damaged during Thai military attacks in December 2025.

Cambodia reiterated its full support for the ASEAN observer mission and stressed the importance of strengthening its mandate to verify and ensure effective implementation of the ceasefire agreed on Dec. 27, 2025. The presence of ASEAN observers was described as essential for promoting transparency, accountability and mutual trust and for restoring stability along the border.

Earlier, on Feb. 23, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation led foreign diplomats and representatives of international organisations on a field visit to locations in Banteay Meanchey province where Cambodian authorities say Thai forces had entered and established positions. Officials said Thai troops had deployed containers and barbed wire barricades that prevented displaced residents from returning to their homes.

According to the spokesman, visits by diplomats, international representatives and ASEAN observers – along with diplomatic outreach by Cambodian missions overseas and Samdech Thipadei Hun Manet’s recent foreign trip – demonstrated sustained efforts by Phnom Penh to defend sovereignty and protect civilians.

He said Cambodia’s diplomatic campaign had helped the international community better understand what Cambodia describes as illegal occupation of Cambodian territory by Thai forces, as well as Cambodia’s position in favour of a peaceful settlement based on international law and agreed bilateral mechanisms.

International partners have expressed support for the ceasefire and peaceful dialogue, and have urged both Cambodia and Thailand to fully implement their commitments in good faith, the statement said.

Cambodia reaffirmed its position that the international border with Thailand must be respected in accordance with existing treaties, maps and demarcation records established during the Franco-Siamese period, as well as subsequent bilateral agreements.

Cambodia does not recognise any attempt to alter the border through the use of force, the spokesman reiterated.

By K. Rithy Reak