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Cambodia: Ceasefire Does Not Alter Border with Thailand, Minister States
Cambodia's Information Minister has stated that the ceasefire agreement with Thailand does not alter the international border. He emphasized that the ceasefire signifies a halt to military advances and prohibits the establishment of new borders through de facto control. The minister condemned Thai forces for advancing and constructing infrastructure post-ceasefire and noted the delayed return of 20,000 displaced civilians.
PHNOM PENH, Sept 8, 2026 (KPT) — Cambodia’s Information Minister Neth Pheaktra said Tuesday that the ceasefire with Thailand does not alter the international boundary or give legal status to territory held by force. Pheaktra stressed that the December 27, 2025 Joint Statement between the two countries should be understood as halting further military advances and preventing the creation of new “facts on the ground.” “A ceasefire means no advance, no creation of new facts on the ground, and no creation of new borders,” he said. He argued that troop positions frozen at the time of the ceasefire should not be interpreted as recognition of sovereignty. Paragraph two of the agreement, which requires both sides to maintain their positions, must be read together with provisions stating that the arrangements are without prejudice to the border demarcation process. “Freezing troop positions is not the same as freezing sovereignty,” Pheaktra said. “Troop positions are not international boundaries. Factual control is not legal title.” The minister accused Thai forces of advancing into Cambodian territory after the ceasefire and carrying out construction and reinforcement activities, including installing barbed wire, digging trenches and building fortifications. He said such actions amounted to creating new facts on the ground. Pheaktra also highlighted the clause requiring displaced civilians to return home safely. He questioned why some 20,000 Cambodians remained unable to do so, citing roadblocks and military presence. He insisted the Joint Statement must be read as a whole, not selectively. “Where troops happened to be standing at 12:00 noon on 27 December 2025 cannot determine where the international boundary lies,” Pheaktra said. Pheaktra concluded that military positions established during a ceasefire cannot create sovereign rights or transform disputed areas into borders. “The core meaning of a ceasefire is: no advance, no fait accompli, no new border lines,” he said.
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