AKP Phnom Penh, February 20, 2026 -- The international community is intensifying its oversight of the territorial dispute between Cambodia and Thailand following high-level diplomatic engagement in Washington, the Royal Government spokesperson said on Friday.

Spokesperson H.E. Pen Bona, speaking from the Council of Ministers’ Office, highlighted that the ongoing border tensions have reached the highest levels of global discourse, citing specific mentions by U.S. President Donald Trump during the inaugural meeting of the Board of Peace on Feb. 19.

Prime Minister Samdech Moha Borvor Thipadei Hun Manet attended the summit at the U.S. Institute of Peace as a founding member of the Board. 

According to the spokesperson, President Trump’s opening address explicitly referenced the "nasty war" between the two Southeast Asian nations, signaling a shift toward more active international mediation.

H.E. Pen Bona emphasized that this mention reflects heightened international scrutiny of the dispute, particularly Thai armed forces’ alleged occupation of certain Cambodian territories in violation of international law, as well as restrictions preventing more than 70,000 displaced Cambodian civilians from returning to their homes.

The Board of Peace, established following a U.N. Security Council resolution on Nov. 17, 2025, held its first official session to promote peace efforts, initially focused on Gaza’s reconstruction but open to broader conflict resolution. 

Participants discussed the fundamental importance of peace and stability as prerequisites for regional and global development.

The spokesperson noted that the meeting sent a strong message worldwide about ending armed conflicts, saving lives, rebuilding devastated areas, and promoting peace. It also recalled Cambodia’s own historical experience with conflict and its consistent commitment to peaceful resolutions based on international law.

Samdech Thipadei Hun Manet accepted Trump’s invitation to join the Board as a founding member to demonstrate Cambodia’s goodwill and dedication to global peace. 

By K. Rithy Reak