Cambodia Pushes for Renewed Border Talks Amid Ongoing Thai Activities

PHNOM PENH, July 6, 2026 (KPT) — Cambodia’s acting foreign minister has briefed diplomats on what she described as continued Thai activities in disputed frontier zones, calling for renewed talks to restore trust and implement ceasefire commitments, while noting that more than 20,000 civilians remain displaced. Eat Sophea addressed 42 heads and representatives of diplomatic missions and international organisations in Phnom Penh on July 3, outlining what the government said were Thai reinforcements beyond the internationally recognised boundary. Permanent Secretary Ith Sotha presented Cambodia’s position, citing the Franco‑Siamese treaties of 1904 and 1907 as the legal basis for the frontier, contrasting it with Thailand’s unilateral map. Sophea recalled de‑escalation measures agreed in December 2025 at the third special meeting of the Cambodia‑Thailand General Border Committee, including early resumption of survey and demarcation work by the Joint Boundary Commission. She said restarting the JBC’s work would have enabled tens of thousands of displaced residents to return home. According to the Ministry of Interior, 20,923 people remain unable to return, including more than 10,600 women and 6,000 children. The acting minister said that since Thailand’s new government took office earlier this year, no steps have been taken to implement ceasefire arrangements, while activities Cambodia considers unlawful have continued in occupied areas. She highlighted the role of the ASEAN Observer Team in supporting ceasefire implementation, thanking Malaysia and the Philippines for their leadership of the mission. Sophea reaffirmed Cambodia’s commitment to resolving both land and maritime boundary issues peacefully, saying dialogue and adherence to international law were essential for a fair and lasting settlement.