AKP Phnom Penh, March 16, 2026—

A Royal Government of Cambodia spokesman on Monday reiterated the profound calls for national unity made by the kingdom's top leaders, urging all citizens to stand as one to safeguard sovereignty and territorial integrity.

In a statement on the latest developments along the Cambodia-Thailand border, H.E. Pen Bona, a spokesman for the Royal Government of Cambodia, cited recent messages from the nation's leadership. He recalled the words of Senate President and Cambodian People's Party (CPP) President Samdech Akka Moha Sena Padei Techo Hun Sen from his message commemorating the 47th Victory over Khmer Rouge Genocide Day on Jan. 7, 2026.

"On the path forward, let all compatriots continue to raise the spirit of patriotism, strive for self-reliance, and strengthen our ownership to ensure the protection and building of our nation," Samdech Techo Hun Sen was quoted as saying. "I firmly believe that based on the strength of great solidarity and a resolute spirit of patriotism, we will surely continue to overcome all obstacles, no matter how great. We remember this history, remember the crimes of destroying the cultural heritage which is the soul of the nation, remember the insults and humiliations against our nation, homeland, and people."

He further appealed to Cambodians to unite under the motto "Nation, Religion, King," and rally around the Royal Government with firm belief in their just cause. "Unity is life, unity is victory, and no power can destroy our will," he added. "Cambodia reaffirms its strong commitment to striving to achieve its main goals: ending the suffering of the people, preventing destruction, and continuing on the path towards peace, a just and lasting solution. At the same time, Cambodia will not concede its sovereignty or dignity."

The spokesman also highlighted a message from Prime Minister Samdech Moha Borvor Thipadei Hun Manet on Dec. 29, 2025, following the entry into force of a ceasefire. The Prime Minister stated: "The hardships and the fresh sacrifices of our heroes on the battlefield are a reminder that we cannot forget for a single second that 'disunity means death, strong unity means life.' As the old saying goes, 'a bundle of chopsticks cannot be broken,' we must take this present difficulty as an opportunity for every Khmer to join hands to build our Khmer nation stronger and better, with resilience, under the most tranquil shade of our beloved and revered King."

Reaffirming the Royal Government’s top priority, the Prime Minister stated on Feb. 10, 2026, that "defending territorial integrity and the people is the highest priority of the Royal Government."

H.E. Pen Bona noted that the messages from the leaders underscore a powerful wave of national solidarity. "Voices against war and for peace have resounded everywhere. Wherever Khmers live, there is a force of solidarity to protect territorial integrity," he said. "The courage of front-line soldiers and the strong national unity of the people on the home front, combined with the Royal Government’s active foreign policy based on international law, are Cambodia's true strengths in protecting its territory."

The spokesman reminded citizens of the nation's painful history during the civil war and the Khmer Rouge regime, emphasizing that the current challenges will not weaken the deep-seated patriotism of the Cambodian people. "On the contrary, it has become a powerful driving force to protect our sovereignty and territorial integrity by all necessary means through peaceful methods in accordance with international law," he stated.

In this context, Cambodia maintains a firm stance on protecting the international border line with Thailand as demarcated by the Franco-Siamese Indochina-Siam Border Commission.

The Royal Government upholds the principle of uti possidetis juris (the principle of maintaining the existing border), respecting the Franco-Siamese conventions, maps, and demarcation minutes of the commission, as well as relevant agreements and documents previously agreed upon by both parties. Cambodia does not recognize any alteration of the border line resulting from the use of force.

By K. Rithy Reak