Cambodia to Maintain Ties with Thailand Amid Border Dispute


The Royal Government of Cambodia has reaffirmed its commitment to maintaining bilateral relations with Thailand through all existing mechanisms, in the best interests of the peoples of both nations.

This position was reiterated by Samdech Moha Borvor Thipadei Hun Manet, Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Cambodia, in a social media message posted this afternoon from Nice, France, where he is attending the Third United Nations Ocean Conference.

Quoting a statement issued by the Ministry of National Defence, Samdech Thipadei reaffirmed that the Royal Government continues to pursue cooperation with Thailand to advance the measurement, demarcation, and placement of border markers along the remaining sections of the shared boundary. This process will continue through the Cambodia–Thailand Joint Boundary Commission (JBC), based on agreements between the two governments—particularly the 2000 Memorandum of Understanding (MoU)—and in accordance with international law. In certain cases, such as the areas of Ta Moan Thom Temple, Ta Moan Tauch Temple, Ta Krabey Temple, and the Mom Bei area, Cambodia is prepared to engage international mechanisms, including the International Court of Justice (ICJ).

“I also call on the media and our citizens to remain calm and place their trust in the Royal Government and the Cambodian army to safeguard the country’s territorial integrity and national interests,” the Prime Minister stated. “In particular, I urge everyone to refrain from creating or spreading misinformation that could cause misunderstandings or escalate tensions between the peoples of Cambodia and Thailand.”

Earlier this afternoon, the Ministry of National Defence issued a statement emphasising four key points regarding the ongoing Cambodia–Thailand border dispute.

First, No Withdrawal of Troops: Cambodian forces have not been withdrawn from any areas under Cambodian sovereignty where they have been stationed for an extended period.

Second, Military Movements within Sovereign Territory: All military preparations—including stationing, deployment, adjustments, and mobilisation—are conducted entirely within Cambodian territory and are solely intended to defend the country’s territorial integrity.

Third, Support for Peaceful Resolution, Readiness to Defend: The Cambodian armed forces remain committed to supporting peaceful resolutions to border issues. However, they stand ready to carry out any orders from the Royal Government to defend the nation against any form of aggression.

Fourth, Engagement in Border Negotiations: The Cambodian army stands ready to support ongoing border negotiation efforts with Thailand, particularly through the Joint Border Commission, to advance the demarcation and placement of border markers in the remaining unresolved areas—excluding those that Cambodia intends to submit to the International Court of Justice (ICJ).

Moreover, the Ministry of National Defence reiterated its call for the public and media professionals to rely exclusively on official and verified sources of information—particularly those issued by the Royal Government of Cambodia and the Ministry itself—as these provide accurate, credible, and trustworthy accounts.