Cambodia Emphasizes Thai Border Situation as Diplomatic Priority, Pledges Sovereignty Protection

The Cambodian government has reiterated its commitment to ongoing diplomatic efforts concerning the evolving situation along its border with Thailand, prioritizing the protection of its sovereignty, territorial integrity, and its people. Pen Bona, a government spokesperson, stated this in a press release on July 10, 2026, providing an update on the "Development of the Cambodia-Thailand Border Situation and Recent Events." According to the statement, Senior Minister Hun Sen, during his visits to northeastern provinces from July 6 to 9, 2026, met with provincial, district, and commune-level authorities. He lauded the development progress in these areas and urged local authorities to pay close attention to the welfare of soldiers defending the nation, families of fallen soldiers, and veterans. He also emphasized the need for swift and effective resolution of land disputes, the protection of natural resources, and the maintenance of national stability and public order by combating crimes such as drug trafficking and cybercrime. Furthermore, he reiterated two key objectives for border development: transforming border areas into developed zones with robust infrastructure and establishing borders with all neighboring countries as zones of peace, friendship, cooperation, and development. In diplomatic engagements, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Prak Sokhonn, met with the Chargé d'Affaires of the U.S. Embassy in Cambodia on July 9, 2026. DPM Sokhonn briefed his interlocutor on the latest border developments and reaffirmed Cambodia's unwavering commitment to resolving disputes peacefully, in accordance with international law and existing bilateral agreements. The U.S. Chargé d'Affaires expressed high concern regarding the situation along the Cambodia-Thailand border and praised Cambodia's strong commitment to seeking peaceful resolutions through dialogue and diplomacy. Separately, Keo Remy, Minister Attached to the Prime Minister and Chairman of the Cambodian Human Rights Committee, met with the Country Representative of the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) in Cambodia on the afternoon of July 7, 2026. Remy reported on the actual situation in the Cambodia-Thailand border areas. The report highlighted attempts to create a "fait accompli" through the destruction of residents' homes and the construction of new infrastructure in areas allegedly illegally occupied by Thai forces. Notably, despite a ceasefire agreement on December 27, 2025, over 20,000 displaced persons have been unable to return to their homes due to the deployment of barbed wire and containers, as well as the destruction of their dwellings by Thai forces. The OHCHR Country Representative affirmed that the UN office is closely monitoring the issue and has directly met with displaced Cambodians to understand their living conditions.