APF Reaffirms Cambodian Territorial Integrity Amid Border Tensions with Thailand

The Parliamentary Assembly of the Francophonie (APF) on Saturday adopted a resolution reaffirming Cambodia’s territorial integrity following a proposal by their Political Affairs Committee which called for sustainable peace along the Cambodia-Thailand border where Thai military activities continue amid protests by Cambodia. According to a press release issued by the Cambodian Senate, the APF called for strict respect for Cambodia’s sovereignty, urging both sides to avoid unilateral actions that could escalate tensions, and encouraged the full implementation of existing peace agreements and bilateral commitments. Ouch Borith, First Vice President of the Senate, said APF’s support sends a strong message to the international community, demonstrating solidarity, shared responsibility and mutual assistance among member states of the Organisation internationale de la Francophonie (OIF) in promoting peace and respect for international law. “The adoption of the resolution serves as testament to the will of the APF’s strong commitment to unity around the organization’s fundamental principles of respect for international law, the state sovereignty and peaceful settlement of disputes,” he stated. The APF also expressed deep concern over continued tension and activities reported in border areas that Cambodia asserts remain under Thai occupation. These include the construction of civil and military infrastructure, the organization of religious ceremonies at cultural and religious sites, and initiatives to divide land in the disputed areas. The resolution further expressed regret over the suffering of civilians and the damage to or destruction of cultural heritage, describing such sites as the common heritage of humanity. It warned that these developments could undermine efforts toward lasting peace and national reconciliation. The bloody clashes along the Thai-Cambodian border occurred in late July and December 2025, killing hundreds of soldiers and civilians on both sides. The APF resolution comes as Cambodia continues to protest what it describes as repeated violations of its sovereignty by Thai military forces. On July 10, Cambodia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs issued another protest, alleging that between July 5 and 7, Thai armed forces excavated land to construct an earthen embankment and installed barbed wire extending north to south from Boundary Pillar No. 14 in Samraong City, Oddar Meanchey Province. The ministry further claimed that on July 9, Thai troops crossed into Cambodian territory to install additional barbed wire near Boundary Pillar No. 22 in Kork Morn Commune, Banteay Ampil District, also in Oddar Meanchey Province. Thai Ministry of Defence spokesperson Surasant Kongsiri did not respond to questions related to APF’s resolution. But, in a previous comment to CamboJA News regarding Cambodia’s allegations of installing illegal barbed wire, Kongsiri said it was erected to “protect Thai troops and civilians”, and that it was done “according to the conditions set out in the Joint Statement signed on December 27, 2025”. “The actions conducted by the Thai side are within Troop Deployment Line set forth in the Joint Statement,” he said. Cambodia has repeatedly stated that it does not recognize any territorial claims unilaterally asserted by Thailand. Kin Phea, director-general of the Institute of International Relations at the Royal Academy of Cambodia, said the APF’s resolution carries significant diplomatic and political weight, despite not being legally binding like a court ruling. “The importance of this appeal is that it shows the border issue between Cambodia and Thailand is not just a bilateral issue between the two countries, but is receiving attention from the international community.” “This is a message to Thailand that unilateral actions, attempts to create facts on the ground, or the use of military force cannot be accepted by the international community.” However, Phea said that while international support is important, Cambodia must continue strengthening its own national capacity.