Synopsis: Phnom Penh requests the prompt restart of joint boundary demarcation while Bangkok denies reports of US pressure on its border activities.
Cambodia has called for the prompt resumption of joint border surveying and demarcation with Thailand, with Prime Minister Hun Manet proposing that ASEAN Observer Teams (AOT) from both sides participate as witnesses in future fieldwork to enhance transparency and confidence.
The last official meeting of the Cambodia-Thailand Joint Boundary Commission (JBC) took place on October 22–23, 2025, in Chanthaburi province, Thailand. Since then, Bangkok has delayed meetings despite Cambodia sending multiple requests for urgent talks.
Speaking yesterday at a graduation ceremony at the University of Management and Economics in Battambang province, Mr Hun Manet said future border surveying must be conducted jointly under existing treaties, conventions and agreements between the two countries, some of which date back more than a century.
“Let us complete the surveying. Survey based on the treaties and conventions that were agreed upon more than 100 years ago, and conduct the surveying through the commission that we have agreed upon,” he said. “I have also proposed that, during the next round of surveying, the AOT from both sides be invited to witness and oversee the process.”
He said Cambodia has facilitated AOT visits to various locations along the border to observe and verify the situation, including areas where border markers had been agreed upon and locations where Cambodia said Thai troops had moved beyond existing border markers.
“They will serve as witnesses,” he said.
Cambodia has also facilitated the visits of UN Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in Cambodia Thomas Andrews to inspect and verify the situation on the ground along the border, Mr Hun Manet said, adding that Cambodia has nothing to hide.
The prime minister’s proposal comes as Cambodia continues to call for the JBC to resume its surveying and demarcation work under the December 27, 2025 Joint Statement between Cambodia and Thailand.
“Now, we are continuing the fight through diplomacy to demand the return of our territory. Some people say that if it is lost, then it is lost. But as long as we have not signed it away to them, that territory will always remain our lawful territory,” Mr Hun Manet said.
Since the ceasefire agreement following two rounds of Thai military aggression against Cambodia last year, Thai military forces have occupied parts of Cambodian territory in the border provinces of Preah Vihear, Oddar Meanchey, Banteay Meanchey and Pursat.
The December 27 Joint Statement says arrangements under the ceasefire are without prejudice to the border demarcation and international boundary between the two countries, tasking the JBC with resuming survey and demarcation work at the earliest opportunity in accordance with existing agreements.
It also recognises the role of the AOT in verifying and ensuring the implementation of agreed de-escalation measures.
Government spokesman Pen Bona yesterday reiterated Cambodia’s position that the country does not seek war but will defend its sovereignty and territorial integrity through peaceful means.
“Cambodia has never wanted war, but Cambodia must defend its rights and freedoms, national honour and sovereignty. Cambodia has never signed an agreement to hand over territory to any country. Cambodia will continue to demand the return of its territory until it is achieved, peacefully, through diplomatic mechanisms and international law,” he said.
He added that Cambodia retains the right to use available means to recover what it considers its lawful territory, while prioritising legal mechanisms, existing agreements and diplomacy.
“Cambodia still reserves the right to use all means to reclaim our lawful territory. As an immediate priority, we must make full use of legal methods, existing agreements and diplomacy to reclaim it without the need for further bloodshed, as all those involved also want to live in peace,” he said.
Bona added that the December 27 Joint Statement did not affect the border demarcation process, rejecting any interpretation that the ceasefire agreement involved Cambodia surrendering territory.
He said Cambodia maintains the principle of uti possidetis juris and does not recognise any change to the international border resulting from the use of force. He also referred to the Joint Declaration on Peace signed in Kuala Lumpur on October 26, 2025.
Meanwhile, Thailand has rejected reports that the United States has urged Bangkok to stop activities that could increase tensions or encroach on Cambodian territory.
