Synopsis: Bangkok says it is maintaining border closure over security and trade concerns, while Phnom Penh reiterates its commitment to sovereignty and diplomacy under bilateral agreements.
Thailand will maintain its border closures with Cambodia until outstanding security and trade concerns are resolved, Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul announced, even as Phnom Penh reiterated its resolve to defend its sovereignty through peaceful dialogue.
Speaking on the “Talk with PM Anutin” programme on Saturday, Anutin said there was no timeline for reopening the border – indicating that bilateral relations were unlikely to normalise soon.
He said Thailand had several concerns that needed to be addressed – including unresolved boundary issues, transnational scam operations, citizen safety, illegal imports and cross-border criminal networks.
Anutin stressed that national interests and security would remain the priority, adding that economic indicators had improved since the closures and that public sentiment supported maintaining the restrictions.
While leaving the door open to dialogue, he gave no indication of when crossings might reopen.
Cambodia has consistently called for disputes to be resolved through established bilateral mechanisms and international law – rejecting any compromise over its sovereignty.
Minister of Information Neth Pheaktra said over the weekend that Cambodia would not exchange territory for peace and would continue to protest violations of its territorial integrity.
Speaking at a meeting to review provincial working groups for the third quarter of 2026, he added that Cambodia remained committed to resolving border issues through diplomacy, international law and established mechanisms.
He referred to commitments by Prime Minister Hun Manet and Senate President Hun Sen to protect territorial integrity, stressing that the government would continue using four approaches – military, diplomatic, legal and information measures – to defend national interests.
Government spokesman Pen Bona reaffirmed Cambodia’s commitment to the peaceful settlement of border disputes, marking the first anniversary of the Cambodia–Thailand Joint Declaration signed in Kuala Lumpur on October 26, 2025.
He said Mr Hun Manet had reiterated respect for the spirit of the declaration and a commitment to resolving border demarcation peacefully, without threats or the use of force.
The prime minister also recognised the roles of the Regional Border Committee, General Border Committee and Joint Boundary Commission in addressing border-related matters.
On October 28, Cambodian and Thai military officials held an informal meeting in Oddar Meanchey to discuss implementing the December 27, 2025 joint statement, operational coordination and rebuilding mutual trust.
