Cambodia Reiterates Commitment to Border Dispute Resolution with Thailand, Emphasizing Past Agreements

Government spokesperson Pen Bona reiterated Cambodia's strong commitment to resolving border disputes with Thailand during a press briefing on the current border situation and recent events. He particularly emphasized the importance of the "Joint Statement on Peace" signed on October 26, 2025, between the Prime Ministers of Cambodia and Thailand in Kuala Lumpur. This joint statement reaffirms the unwavering commitment to peace and security between the two nations, the avoidance of threat or use of force, peaceful settlement of disputes, and respect for international law and international borders. It also reiterates the commitments announced in Putrajaya, Malaysia, on July 28, 2025, aiming to promote peace, security, stability, and prosperity in the region based on mutual respect for independence, sovereignty, equality, territorial integrity, and national identity. Furthermore, the spokesperson highlighted the commitment to respect and implement agreements reached in the Joint Border Committee meetings. Cambodia and Thailand have also signed the Terms of Reference for the establishment of the ASEAN Observers Team (AOT), composed of personnel from ASEAN member states, and called upon ASEAN member states to provide appropriate support to ensure the AOT can successfully achieve its objectives. Both countries are committed to reducing tensions, restoring confidence, and fostering mutually beneficial relations. However, the spokesperson pointed out that despite the ceasefire agreement of July 28, 2025, and the joint statement of October 26, 2025, the Thai side launched a second armed attack from December 7 to 27, 2025, using various heavy weapons, including cluster bombs, F-16 aircraft, and Gripen aircraft, dropping bombs deep into Cambodian territory. Thai forces continue to illegally occupy parts of Cambodian territory, and approximately 20,000 Cambodian refugees are still unable to return to their homes. The Cambodian government is actively engaged in diplomatic efforts to reclaim Cambodian territory through peaceful means, based on existing agreements and international law. The international community is closely monitoring this issue and urging both parties to resolve it peacefully in accordance with the agreed-upon accords, he added. Source: CEN Cambodia