Prime Minister Hun Manet has told Cambodians there are no conditions in the current ceasefire negotiations requiring either side to withdraw troops or surrender territory. He insisted that the government has not ordered a pullback of forces since the truce began, and appealed for public trust in his administration’s efforts to secure a swift resolution that serves the national interest.
Writing on his official Facebook page, Hun Manet acknowledged that many negotiations are not made public, which can give the impression of silence, but said government spokespeople and ministries continue to communicate essential updates to the people. He has previously told citizens that Cambodia’s territory has expanded under his party’s leadership, suggesting the landmass is now larger than the official 181,035 square kilometres.
On the border dispute, Hun Manet reaffirmed Cambodia’s commitment to peaceful resolution through existing mechanisms such as the Cambodia–Thailand Joint Boundary Commission. He said the government’s position is anchored in treaties, agreements, and international law. Cambodia has previously threatened to take the issue to the International Court of Justice.
Speaking to The Cambodia Daily, Man Nat, head of the Cambodia Watch Council, said Phnom Penh must urgently pursue legal action against Thailand at both the International Court of Justice over the border issue and the International Criminal Court for alleged acts of war and crimes against civilians.
He added that beyond litigation, Cambodia must intensify its diplomacy to mobilise international support. This, he argued, should include ASEAN mechanisms, United Nations principles, the Security Council, and even the Paris Peace Agreements.
Man Nat said Cambodia should also make clear that Thailand must withdraw from areas demarcated by 73 boundary posts dating back to French colonial treaties of 1904 and 1907, and that France should be asked to mediate.
Analysts note it has been more than a month since border clashes erupted, yet Cambodians have not seen concrete steps from the government to follow through on its pledge to bring Thailand before international courts. So far, discussions remain limited to boundary commission meetings and appeals for a return to normalcy.
