Cambodia Reiterates Stance on Resolving Land and Maritime Border Issues with Thailand

Phnom Penh, July 4, 2026 – Pen Bona, spokesperson for the Royal Government of Cambodia, has reiterated the government's reasons and stance on resolving land and maritime border issues with Thailand. Regarding maritime borders, the Cambodian government has decided to utilize the "Compulsory Conciliation" mechanism under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS). This decision stems from Thailand's unilateral abrogation of a bilateral mechanism that had been maintained for 25 years, despite Cambodia's expression of regret and request for reconsideration. After careful consideration, the Cambodian side concluded that there is no better option than compulsory conciliation, as this mechanism is designed to assist state parties in resolving disputes peacefully and in accordance with international law, aligning perfectly with Cambodia's peaceful and law-based stance. Similarly, concerning land border resolution, Cambodia, as a peace-loving nation, strictly and sincerely upholds the ceasefire and the spirit of the joint declaration dated December 27, 2025. Particularly, point three of the declaration, where both parties agreed to task the Joint Border Commission (JBC) with the urgent demarcation and surveying of the countries' borders in accordance with existing agreements and international law. Point three of the joint declaration states that all agreements under this declaration shall not affect the demarcation of the international border between the two countries. Both parties agreed to assign the JBC the role of expediting the surveying and demarcation of the border as quickly as possible, in line with existing bilateral agreements, to achieve lasting peace along the border. They also agreed to utilize the existing mechanisms of the JBC to ensure the safety and security of the joint surveying teams on the ground, including protection from landmines. Furthermore, both parties agreed that the JBC would give the highest priority to the surveying and demarcation work in affected areas with civilian populations. In line with the spirit of this agreement, and based on respect for international law and international boundaries, as well as the desire for a peaceful and lasting solution to maintain peace along the border between the two countries, Cambodia has consistently adopted a peaceful approach through diplomatic negotiations in accordance with international law. Concurrently, Cambodia fully supports the role and neutral mandate of the ASEAN Observers Team (AOT) and other relevant parties to observe and verify the implementation of the ceasefire and all points of the joint declaration, as well as other agreements, effectively. In this regard, Cambodia firmly maintains its stance on defending the Cambodia-Thailand international border, as established by the Franco-Siamese Boundary Commission. This defense is based on the principles of international law, the principle of immutability of boundaries (Uti Possidetis Juris), respect for the Franco-Siamese Conventions and Treaties, maps, and boundary demarcation records of the Franco-Siamese Boundary Commission, as well as various agreements and documents previously agreed upon by both parties. Cambodia unequivocally rejects any alteration of borderlines resulting from the use of force. The Cambodian government protests the illegal actions of the Thai military in locations within Cambodian sovereign territory, which they have illegally occupied since December 27, 2025, and consistently demands that the Thai side respect and implement the joint declaration and existing agreements between the two countries.