AKP Phnom Penh, February 24, 2026 -- The Royal Government of Cambodia is launching an expansive diplomatic campaign both at home and abroad to safeguard its territorial integrity and protect its citizens amid escalating tensions along the border with Thailand, a Royal Government spokesperson said Tuesday.

Spokesperson H.E. Pen Bona briefed the public on the administration's "proactive diplomacy," highlighting Prime Minister Samdech Moha Borvor Thipadei Hun Manet’s high-stakes mission on the international stage. 

Following a visit to the United States, the Prime Minister is currently in Europe for a series of meetings with top global officials, including the UN Secretary-General, the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, and the President of the 80th UN General Assembly.

"The core of these discussions is to strengthen bilateral cooperation while addressing regional challenges," the spokesperson said. "The Cambodia-Thailand border issue remains a 'hot topic' that has drawn intense scrutiny from the international community."

During talks in Washington, Prime Minister Samdech Thipadei Hun Manet emphasised that peace remains Cambodia’s "core value." He called for the full and honest implementation of existing bilateral agreements and urged a peaceful resolution based on international law and the principle of non-use of force to allow displaced civilians to return home safely.

The diplomatic push is equally active within Cambodia. On Monday, Cambodia’s Acting Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, H.E. Mrs. Eat Sophea led a delegation of foreign ambassadors and representatives from international organisations to Banteay Meanchey province.

The visit focused on the villages of Chouk Chey and Prey Chan, as well as the Boeung Trakuon area, illegally occupied by Thai forces, who have deployed shipping containers and barbed wire to block residents from returning to their homes.

"This is part of a continuous effort to ensure the international community understands the reality on the ground," the spokesperson added.

The current standoff dates back to July 24, 2025, when Cambodia accused Thai forces of an initial incursion. Since then, the Royal Government of Cambodia has filed nearly 700 official protests, including diplomatic notes and clarification letters, in response to various perceived violations.

The most recent incident occurred on Feb. 22, 2026, when Cambodia lodged a formal protest against the unauthorised presence of a Thai naval vessel in Cambodian waters near Koh Yor, Koh Kong province. The vessel reportedly arrested three Cambodian citizens and seized their fishing boat.

The Royal Government of Cambodia reiterated its firm stance on the border, based on: The Uti Possidetis Juris principle (respecting inherited colonial boundaries); The Franco-Siamese treaties and maps established by the Indochina-Siam Boundary Commission; The rejection of any border changes resulting from the use of force.

The spokesperson concluded by stating that the Royal Government’s unwavering commitment to national sovereignty has received strong domestic support, as the administration prioritises a peaceful resolution through the framework of international law.

By K. Rithy Reak