Cambodian National Assembly Backs PM Hun Manet Following High-Stakes Board of Peace Inaugural Meeting in U.S.
AKP Phnom Penh, February 23, 2026 --
The National Assembly of Cambodia issued a strong declaration of support on Monday for Prime Minister Samdech Moha Borvor Thipadei Hun Manet following his participation in the inaugural "Board of Peace" high-level meeting held in the United States.
The National Assembly lauded the Prime Minister’s "quiet but active" diplomatic strategy during the Feb. 19 session, which was chaired by U.S. President Donald J. Trump and attended by founding members of the newly established Board of Peace.
The legislative body characterised the mission as a historic milestone for Cambodia’s international standing, emphasising the Prime Minister's efforts to position the Kingdom as a proactive mediator in regional and global conflict resolution.
A significant portion of the National Assembly’s statement focused on the ongoing border friction with neighbouring Thailand. The Assembly accused Bangkok of "persistent aggression" and violating international law, asserting that Thai forces remain in illegal occupation of Cambodian territory.
The Prime Minister used the international platform, including high-profile interviews with global outlets like Reuters, to highlight the humanitarian toll of the conflict.
According to the statement: Over 600,000 Cambodians have been displaced by recent hostilities; Approximately 80,000 displaced civilians remain unable to return to their homes; The conflict has resulted in significant damage to historical heritage sites, schools, and religious landmarks.
Samdech Hun Manet reportedly informed international media that Thailand has disregarded a previous ceasefire brokered by China on Dec. 27, 2025, as well as peace agreements witnessed by Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, the 2025 ASEAN Chair, and U.S. President Donald J. Trump.
The Cambodian National Assembly also cited reports alleging that Thailand utilised heavy artillery and prohibited munitions, such as cluster bombs, during the incursion. The statement further accused Thai forces of using "psychological tactics," including the use of high-volume loudspeakers during late-night hours to disturb and intimidate Cambodian civilians.
The National Assembly reiterated its "unwavering opposition" to the Thai military presence on what it defines as Cambodian soil, demanding an immediate and unconditional withdrawal.
"The National Assembly fully supports the Royal Government's use of diplomatic and legal mechanisms to resolve this dispute," the statement read, while calling on Cambodians at home and abroad to remain united in defence of the nation's sovereignty.
The Prime Minister’s performance at the inaugural Board of Peace high-level meeting reportedly earned praise from President Trump, who, according to the Cambodian statement, described Samdech Thipadei Hun Manet as a leader of "great patience" with a genuine commitment to peace.



By K. Rithy Reak





