Cambodia Intensifies Global Diplomacy Amid Border Strains and PM’s France Visit


The Royal Government of Cambodia is intensifying its “active diplomacy” both on the global stage and at home, balancing international cooperation with a firm commitment to territorial integrity and national security, a Royal Government spokesperson said Friday.

During a briefing at the Office of the Council of Ministers, Royal Government Spokesperson H.E. Pen Bona provided updates on Cambodia’s evolving border situation with Thailand and a series of high-level diplomatic engagements scheduled for April.

Prime Minister Samdech Moha Borvor Thipadei Hun Manet is set to lead a high-level delegation to France for the  One Health Summit and a working visit from April 6 to 9 at the invitation of President Emmanuel Macron.

The summit, a flagship event under France’s 2026 G7 presidency, serves as a premier forum for world leaders, international organisations, and scientists to address the interconnected health of humans, animals, and ecosystems. During the visit, Samdech Thipadei Hun Manet is expected to hold bilateral talks with French officials and other world leaders to strengthen multi-sectoral cooperation.

In Phnom Penh, Acting Head of State Samdech Akka Moha Sena Padei Techo Hun Sen met with the newly appointed Singaporean Ambassador on April 2. Discussions centred on the robust bilateral ties between the two nations, with Samdech Techo Hun Sen expressing gratitude for Singapore’s contribution of observers to monitor the Cambodia-Thailand border.

Samdrch Techo reaffirmed Cambodia’s stance on maintaining a long-term effective ceasefire and its commitment to resolving border disputes peacefully through existing bilateral mechanisms.

The border situation was also a key topic during talks between Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister H.E. Prak Sokhonn and his Timor-Leste counterpart, as well as in meetings with representatives from the UN Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR).

Cambodian officials reported Thai activities to the UN, alleging violations of international humanitarian law.

In a ceremony at the Ministry of National Defence, H.E. Gen. Tea Seiha, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of National Defense, decorated members of the ASEAN Observer Team (AOT) as Malaysia concluded its leadership of the mission. The Philippines is slated to take over the AOT leadership for the remainder of 2026.

H.E. Gen. Tea Seiha lauded the ASEAN mission for its role in verifying ceasefire compliance and de-escalating tensions in accordance with international treaties.

On the economic front, Prime Minister Samdech Thipadei Hun Manet has ordered a crackdown on the illegal smuggling of oil and gas from Thailand. The directive follows Thai media reports of illicit cross-border trade.

The Prime Minister reminded authorities that Cambodia officially suspended all fuel imports from Thailand since June 2025, noting that the Kingdom has secured sufficient alternative energy sources and remains committed to strict legal action against smugglers.

In other developments, the Cambodian Senate on Friday morning passed a landmark bill aimed at combating technological fraud. Additionally, officials confirmed that the second phase of the Funan Techo Integrated Water Management project is scheduled to break ground in Takeo province on April 11.