Cambodia Seeks International Support on Border Dispute with Thailand

Mr. Pen Bona, spokesperson for the Royal Government of Cambodia, stated that the truth about the situation on the Cambodia-Thailand border is being disseminated through international media and by supporters of peace, those defending victimized nations, and those who value international law and world order. He indicated that the international community is not remaining silent on what Cambodia considers an invasion and illegal occupation of its territory, as well as the violation of the rights of Cambodian citizens fleeing conflict zones. In his remarks on September 5, 2026, Mr. Pen Bona emphasized that this situation demonstrates the international community's engagement. He also confirmed that the Cambodian government is actively and vigorously pursuing diplomatic efforts in accordance with procedures to protect Cambodia's sovereignty, territorial integrity, and its citizens. The government under the leadership of Prime Minister Samdech Moha Borvor Thipadei Hun Manet prioritizes the protection of sovereignty, territorial integrity, and the people. Mr. Pen Bona elaborated that Cambodia is actively employing diplomacy through both government and parliamentary channels to promote a peaceful resolution of border issues with Thailand, based on conventions, treaties, international law, and existing mechanisms and agreements. Specifically, the compulsory conciliation mechanism under the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), initiated by Cambodia to resolve overlapping maritime claims between Cambodia and Thailand, is proceeding according to procedure. Concurrently, the demarcation and boundary delimitation of the land border through the Joint Border Commission (JBC) mechanism, as well as facilitating the return of Cambodian citizens who fled conflict areas to their homes, are receiving significant attention and impetus from the Cambodian government and the international community, Mr. Pen Bona affirmed. Cambodia will continue to utilize diplomatic means and peaceful mechanisms, grounded in international law, to safeguard national interests, sovereignty, territorial integrity, and the rights of the Cambodian people, he asserted.