Synopsis: An analyst urges politicians to prioritise national interests as the Cambodia-Thailand territorial dispute fuels political tensions.

A dispute over temporary border markers along the Cambodia–Thailand border in Battambang province intensified after Prime Minister Hun Manet challenged former opposition lawmaker Um Sam An to present evidence to back up his claims.

In response, the self-exiled Sam An expressed willingness to discuss the issue but requested a royal pardon and safety guarantees before he would return to Cambodia.

The dispute drew criticism from Senate President Hun Sen, who responded to Sam An’s request for a royal pardon with a disparaging analogy. Although Mr Hun Sen did not name Sam An, he referred to a former convict who had accused the government of ceding territory to Thailand.

On October 10, Mr Hun Manet posted a message on social media inviting Sam An and his team to present documents, maps and other evidence for discussion with experts from the State Secretariat of Border Affairs. The invitation followed claims by Sam An concerning Cambodia’s loss of control over areas along the border and irregularities involving markers numbered 52 through 59.

Mr Hun Manet offered safety guarantees for Sam An and his team, alongside assistance covering travel expenses, accommodation and local transport.

He said journalists, political representatives, civil society organisations, students, and members of the public could observe discussions, while adding that sensitive information related to border negotiations could not be disclosed publicly.

On October 11, Mr Hun Manet repeated the safety assurances, adding that if document-based discussions failed to clarify the issue, parties could consider an on-site inspection to establish the facts on the ground.

In a letter dated October 15, Sam An said he was willing to send a delegation of 10 to discuss the border issue. However, he asked for a royal pardon, the lifting of travel restrictions, written safety guarantees and an official invitation. He also proposed involving French technical and mapping experts.

Geopolitical analyst and historian Meng Pengsila said veteran politicians should moderate their positions and work together in the national interest, regardless of political affiliation, rather than continue to trade accusations.

He added that confrontational behaviour could set a negative example for younger generations and weaken the country.

Pengsila said Cambodia has experienced internal divisions and political crises from the post-Angkorian period to the present, which has contributed to territorial losses and risks of encroachment.

Continued political infighting, he added, could weaken Cambodia’s position regionally and internationally.

He said discussions involving specialists from different political backgrounds were important to protecting the national interest. Such cooperation, he said, could strengthen the country, support development and restore national standing.

The locations of temporary border markers 52–59 remain a matter requiring verification through official documents, maps and technical evidence. The face-to-face discussions proposed by Mr Hun Manet could provide an opportunity for parties to present evidence, although it remains unclear whether the meeting will take place.