Phnom penh: Cambodia has chosen peace and the protection of its people as top priorities in addressing the border situation with Thailand, a Royal Government spokesperson said on Saturday.
According to Agence Kampuchea Presse, Royal Government Spokesperson H.E. Pen Bona stated that the ceasefire, which took effect at noon on Dec. 27, 2025, was achieved through intensive diplomatic efforts by Cambodian leaders, with support from international partners, including the United States, China, and ASEAN, chaired by Malaysia in 2025. The ceasefire reflects Cambodia's commitment to peaceful solutions while safeguarding civilian lives, and Phnom Penh reserves the right to resolve border issues through bilateral mechanisms in line with treaties, conventions, and international law.
H.E. Pen Bona reiterated Senate President Samdech Akka Moha Sena Padei Techo Hun Sen's commitment to peace, while emphasizing that Cambodia will not compromise its territorial integrity or national dignity. He highlighted Cambodia's adherence to the ceasefire and related agreements, including the Joint Statement of the third Special General Border Committee meeting on Dec. 27, 2025, and the Kuala Lumpur Joint Declaration signed on Oct. 26, 2025.
During the ceasefire, 18 Cambodian soldiers were released on Dec. 31, 2025, and over 92 percent of more than 640,000 displaced civilians have returned home. However, many remain displaced due to restrictions imposed by Thai armed forces, such as the installation of barbed wire and containers and the destruction of homes. Cambodia has lodged strong protests against actions it claims alter the security environment and urged Thailand to comply with ceasefire provisions and allow the Joint Boundary Commission to resume demarcation work.
The spokesperson noted that Cambodian leaders, including Prime Minister Samdech Moha Borvor Thipadei Hun Manet, have intensified diplomatic efforts to inform the international community of alleged incursions and reaffirm Cambodia's commitment to peaceful resolution under international law. Through the Secretariat of Border Affairs, Cambodia has submitted multiple diplomatic notes, most recently on Feb. 23, 2026, proposing the deployment of Joint Survey Teams to resume boundary demarcation and marker reconstruction in several border sectors.
H.E. Pen Bona confirmed that Cambodia upholds international law, including the principle of uti possidetis juris, respects relevant Franco-Siamese treaties and boundary records, and does not recognise any border changes resulting from the use of force.