Cambodia Accuses Thailand of Stalling Border Demarcation, Seeks Resumption of Talks

PHNOM PENH, July 21, 2026 (KPT) – Cambodia has accused Thailand of deliberately stalling the bilateral border demarcation process and urged Bangkok to return to negotiations in line with agreements under the 2000 Memorandum of Understanding and a joint statement issued in December 2025. Government spokesman Pen Bona said in a statement on July 20 that Thailand had unilaterally withdrawn from the only bilateral mechanism agreed for maritime negotiations, despite Cambodia’s request to preserve the arrangement. He noted Thailand had previously expressed support for resolving disputes under the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), but was now objecting to Cambodia’s decision to invoke the convention’s dispute settlement procedures. Bona said UNCLOS provides a peaceful framework for resolving maritime disputes and should be seen as a confidence‑building measure rather than an obstacle to bilateral ties. On land boundaries, he stressed both countries had agreed to continue demarcation through the Joint Boundary Commission under the 2000 MoU, reaffirmed in the 2025 joint statement. He also cited a resolution adopted by the Assemblée parlementaire de la Francophonie on July 11, which reaffirmed support for Cambodia’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, backed continuation of demarcation through the JBC, and called for reduced tensions. Bona said the international community expected Thailand to respect International Court of Justice rulings in 1962 and 2013 on the Preah Vihear Temple, as well as boundaries established under the 1904 Convention and 1907 Treaty, reaffirmed in the 2000 MoU. He accused Thailand of deliberately delaying demarcation to retain territory Cambodia claims is under unlawful occupation, warning such actions violate both the UN Charter and ASEAN Charter.