Synopsis: The government is pursuing legal, diplomatic and technical strategies to resolve territorial disputes while safeguarding national sovereignty.
Prime Minister Hun Manet called on Cambodians of all political leanings to remain calm and give the government time to address border issues with Thailand.
Speaking yesterday at the launch of the National Strategy for the Development of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) 2026–2030, Mr Hun Manet said his invitation to self-exiled opposition politician Um Sam An to discuss border issues was not meant to be politicised.
He added that the aim was to present facts and strengthen public confidence in the government’s handling of the situation.
“My objective is simply to ask all Cambodians – regardless of their political leanings, both inside and outside the country – to remain calm and allow the government the space to resolve the situation with Thailand,” he said.
Mr Hun Manet noted that the border issue remained unresolved, with sensitive matters requiring responsible handling. He urged citizens to trust one another and give the government an opportunity to work with Thailand to safeguard sovereignty and territorial integrity.
He said the appeal for calm did not mean the government was seeking to evade responsibilities. Once resolved, he added, the government would be accountable for the outcome, including protecting citizens’ lives and defending national territory.
He said divisions within society would not help while Cambodia addressed the border issue through legal, diplomatic and technical mechanisms. He called on citizens to remain united and avoid internal divisions.
Mr Hun Manet said Cambodians across the political spectrum shared concerns about potential territorial loss, adding that the government’s responsibility went beyond expressing concern to finding a resolution and safeguarding sovereignty.
He criticised Sam An for making allegations about the border area between boundary markers No 52 and 59 without clear evidence.
Cambodia shares over 800 kilometres of land border with Thailand, stretching from Preah Vihear province in the north to Koh Kong province in the southwest.
While significant progress has been made in border demarcation with Laos and Vietnam, with 86% and 84% completed, respectively, bilateral negotiations with Thailand have stalled.
