Phnom penh: The Royal Government of Cambodia on Thursday reiterated that defending the Kingdom's territorial integrity and its citizens remains its "highest priority," as it seeks to draw international attention to an ongoing border dispute with Thailand. A Royal Government spokesman, speaking at a press conference in Phnom Penh, said the commitment, previously stated by Prime Minister Samdech Moha Borvor Thipadei Hun Manet, was not merely rhetoric but a clear pledge demonstrated through concrete actions.
According to Agence Kampuchea Presse, H.E. Pen Bona, a spokesman for the Royal Government, emphasized that the border issue with Thailand is consistently raised both domestically and internationally. There is an awareness among international dialogue partners of what Cambodia describes as illegal encroachment by Thai forces. These partners have been urging a peaceful resolution in accordance with international law, an outcome Cambodia says it also seeks.
H.E. Bona provided an update on the situation along the volatile border, where tensions have flared since last year. The Ministry of National Defence facilitated a visit for military attach©s from 12 countries to examine sites in Banteay Meanchey province's O'Chrov district. The delegation visited Prey Chan village and the Boeung Trakuon crossing area, as well as locations in Thmar Puok district where unexploded ordnance remains following heavy attacks by Thai forces in December.
The attach©s observed damaged civilian homes, shops, and public infrastructure, according to H.E. Bona. They also visited areas where Thai troops have illegally placed barbed wire and shipping containers since a truce took effect on Dec. 27, 2025, preventing tens of thousands of displaced Cambodian civilians from returning home.
Late last month, Cambodia facilitated a visit by an ASEAN Observer Team (AOT) to the Preah Vihear temple area and the An Seh area in Chheb district, Preah Vihear province. The team observed and reported on the situation and inspected civilian sites damaged in the December attacks, H.E. Bona added.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation has also arranged multiple trips for diplomats and international organisation representatives to view the situation first-hand. The diplomatic push extends beyond Cambodia's borders. During a working visit to Paris on Feb. 25, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister H.E. Prak Sokhonn met with French Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs H.E. Jean-No«l Barrot.
H.E. Prak Sokhonn expressed gratitude to France for granting Cambodia access to archival documents, maps, and historical records, which are contributing to a better understanding of the border demarcation. He reaffirmed Cambodia's commitment to a peaceful resolution in line with international law and stressed the importance of peace and stability, especially as Cambodia works to ensure the safe and dignified return of its displaced citizens.
H.E. Barrot expressed France's readiness to support any initiative aimed at promoting a peaceful settlement consistent with international law, according to H.E. Bona. The Cambodian Royal Government reiterated its firm stance that it will not concede any territory. H.E. Bona stated that Cambodia adheres to the border line established by the Franco-Siamese commission, respecting the principle of uti possidetis juris, relevant treaties, maps, and demarcation minutes. "Cambodia absolutely does not recognise any modification of the border line resulting from the use of force," he said.