AKP Phnom Penh, October 16, 2026 -- Cambodian Prime Minister Samdech Moha Borvor Thipadei Hun Manet has reaffirmed Cambodia’s firm commitment to resolve border conflicts with Thailand through peaceful means, dialogue, existing bilateral mechanisms and agreements, and in accordance with international law.

Addressing the 7th Summit of the Conference on Interaction and Confidence Building Measures in Asia (CICA) in Azerbaijan yesterday, Samdech Thipadei said Cambodia’s recent experience had reinforced its conviction that peace could not be taken for granted and that disputes between states must be resolved peacefully and in accordance with international law.

“Borders and sovereignty must never be altered by force or fait accompli,” he stressed, underscoring Cambodia’s consistent position that respect for sovereignty and territorial integrity is fundamental to maintaining regional peace and stability.

The Prime Minister noted that although the ceasefire between Cambodia and Thailand continued to hold, but the situation remained complex, with fundamental issues concerning territorial integrity and sovereignty yet to be resolved.

Samdech Thipadei Hun Manet expressed the Cambodia’s concern over the situation on the ground in areas inside Cambodian territory currently occupied by Thai troops, emphasising the importance of resolving the outstanding issues through established bilateral mechanisms.

The Prime Minister highlighted the role of the Joint Boundary Commission (JBC) in facilitating the peaceful settlement of border disputes through border demarcation. He noted that the process, as stipulated in mutual agreements between Cambodia and Thailand, including the Kuala Lumpur Declaration and the Joint Statement, had yet to be implemented on the ground.

The delays in implementing these agreements have prevented approximately 20,000 Cambodian citizens from returning to their homes safely and with dignity, he said.

Despite these challenges, Cambodia remains committed to pursuing a peaceful resolution with Thailand while firmly safeguarding its sovereignty and territorial integrity, he added.

The Prime Minister underscored that dialogue, de-escalation and the peaceful implementation of existing bilateral agreements are essential to creating the conditions for a fair and lasting settlement of disputes.

In particular, he highlighted the importance of border demarcation through the JBC and the implementation of agreed confidence-building measures as crucial steps towards restoring trust, reducing tensions and promoting peaceful coexistence between the two neighbouring countries.

Cambodia’s position, he indicated, remains firmly rooted in respect for international law, the peaceful settlement of disputes and the effective use of established bilateral mechanisms to address outstanding issues.

By Heng Panha