Hun Manet Urges Thailand to Resolve Border Dispute on Peace Day Amid Ongoing Displacement

PHNOM PENH, Sept 21, 2026 (KPT) — Prime Minister Samdech Thipadei Hun Manet marked the International Day of Peace on Monday by urging Thailand to resolve the border dispute through dialogue, warning that thousands of displaced families remain unable to return nearly a year after fighting erupted along the frontier. Samdech Thipadei said Cambodia’s 26 years of peace had been “seriously threatened and affected” by conflict along the border, which he said had cost lives and disrupted livelihoods. He called on Thailand to respect agreements and pursue peaceful settlement under international law to reduce tensions and restore trust. The appeal comes as both countries pursue parallel diplomatic and legal tracks, including UN‑mediated maritime boundary conciliation talks resuming next month. Cambodia has also lodged an OPCW complaint over alleged chemical weapons use during last year’s clashes. Ministry of Interior says some 18,650 people remain displaced, accusing Thai forces of occupying civilian areas despite a ceasefire signed in late 2025. Samdech Thipadei Hun Manet linked his message to the UN’s Peace Day theme “Investing in Peace,” and announced Cambodia will host the Francophonie Summit in November, bringing leaders from 93 member states to Phnom Penh. He also highlighted Cambodia’s record of deploying more than 10,900 peacekeepers since 2006. The premier said Cambodia’s economy is projected to grow 4.1 percent this year but stressed that prosperity must translate into jobs, rising incomes and access to services, underscoring that peace remains the foundation for lasting stability.