Thailand’s delays in implementing border agreements have prevented approximately 20,000 Cambodians from returning home safely and with dignity, Prime Minister Hun Manet said, calling for progress in border demarcation through the Joint Boundary Commission (JBC) to resolve the dispute peacefully.
Thailand has repeatedly requested to delay the special meeting of the Cambodia-Thailand Joint Boundary Commission (JBC) and the deployment of Joint Survey Teams (JSTs).
Addressing the 7th Summit of the Conference on Interaction and Confidence-Building Measures in Asia (CICA) in Baku, Azerbaijan, Mr Hun Manet said the ceasefire between the two countries continued to hold, but the situation remained complex, with territorial integrity and sovereignty issues unresolved.
“The core issue, territorial integrity and sovereignty under international law and existing agreements, remains unresolved,” he said.
Mr Hun Manet said Cambodia remained concerned about areas inside its territory occupied by Thai troops, stressing that border demarcation through the Joint Boundary Commission (JBC) was essential to a peaceful settlement.
He said the demarcation process, as stipulated in bilateral agreements, including the Kuala Lumpur Declaration and Joint Statement, had yet to be implemented on the ground.
“Borders and sovereignty must never be altered by force or fait accompli,” he said.
Despite the challenges, Mr Hun Manet reaffirmed Cambodia’s commitment to resolving outstanding issues with Thailand through existing bilateral mechanisms and agreements, in accordance with international law and while safeguarding its sovereignty and territorial integrity.
“We believe that dialogue, de-escalation and faithful implementation of joint bilateral agreements, especially border demarcation through the JBC, and agreed confidence-building measures are crucial for creating conditions for a fair and lasting settlement of the dispute and peaceful coexistence,” he said.
Mr Hun Manet said Cambodia’s experience had reinforced its belief that disputes between states must be addressed through peaceful means, dialogue and international law.
He also called for respect for the United Nations Charter, international law, sovereign equality, territorial integrity and the peaceful settlement of disputes, describing these principles as indispensable foundations for peace and stability.
“Cambodia firmly believes these principles must be upheld consistently and equally for all states,” he said.
