Cambodian leader maintains push for peaceful talks | RSS.com
Cambodia’s prime minister Hun Manet says his government will stick to a diplomatic approach in resolving the border dispute with Thailand, arguing that armed conflict brings no benefit to either country or its people.
In a message posted on his Facebook page, Hun Manet said he held a phone call with Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim to discuss ways to maintain dialogue and prevent further escalation along the Cambodian Thai frontier. He said violence or the use of force cannot deliver lasting peace.
Hun Manet added that Cambodia remains committed to mechanisms already agreed by both countries, including the spirit of the Kuala Lumpur Joint Statement issued on October 26, 2025. He said the goal is to bring the border dispute to an end and build a more stable relationship between the two neighbors.
Tensions rose earlier this month after Cambodia’s Ministry of National Defense said Thai troops opened fire twice on civilians in Prey Chan village in Banteay Meanchey province on November 13. The statement said the first shooting took place at around 3:50 in the afternoon and the second at 5:54 in the evening. Three Cambodians were injured, and one was killed. The wounded were taken to the Cambodia-Japan Friendship Hospital in Mongkol Borei.
Following the incident, Thai media outlet Thai PBS reported comments from Thailand’s foreign minister Sihasak Phuangketkeow, who insisted that the border dispute can still be resolved through diplomacy despite rising tensions.
Malaysia’s prime minister, Anwar Ibrahim, also posted on Facebook that his country stands by its commitment to friendship and to the ceasefire understanding reached in Kuala Lumpur late last month.
In Phnom Penh, the head of the Documentation Center of Cambodia said Thailand’s military and government have never fully respected the Kuala Lumpur agreement. Thai officials have responded that Cambodia has not met its own commitments under the joint statement.
China has urged both sides to show restraint. Foreign ministry spokesperson Lin Jian told reporters in Beijing on November 13 that China hopes Cambodia and Thailand will avoid actions that could worsen the situation and will continue efforts to ease tensions.
