Phnom penh: The Cambodian Senate Commission on Foreign Affairs, International Cooperation and Information has firmly rejected allegations made by the Thai Senate Advisory Commission on Foreign Affairs, reaffirming Cambodia's sovereignty over its territory based on historical international treaties.
According to Agence Kampuchea Presse, in a statement issued on September 5, Chairman of the Commission H.E. Chhiv Yiseang categorically dismissed a statement made by Senator Nophadol In-na, Chairman of the Thai Senate Advisory Commission on Foreign Affairs, on September 2, 2026. H.E. Chhiv Yiseang stated that Thailand's military deployments and alleged aerial incursions violate international law, the United Nations Charter, and established bilateral mechanisms.
The Cambodian Senate Commission rejected Thailand's arguments on several points, including the interpretation of the Joint Statement of the 3rd Special Session of the General Border Committee (GBC) signed on December 27, 2025. It emphasized that a temporary ceasefire framework cannot legitimize unlawful military occupation or establish new territorial rights. Boundary issues must be resolved through existing bilateral treaties and peaceful diplomatic mechanisms.
Regarding claims over which side initiated the 2025 border clashes, the Commission rejected Thailand's allegations that Cambodia fired first. It accused Thailand of using transnational crime and online scams as pretexts for military actions and violations of Cambodian airspace and territory. The Commission reaffirmed Cambodia's commitment to international humanitarian law and called for an independent, internationally verified forensic assessment to establish which side fired first.
On the issue of displaced civilians, the Commission rejected Thailand's characterization of more than 20,000 displaced Cambodians as 'encroachers,' asserting they are internally displaced persons uprooted by recent border instability. It stressed that these civilians have the right to return safely to their lands under international law. The Commission urged Thailand to cease territorial encroachment and withdraw its troops.
The Cambodian Senate Commission defended Cambodia's right to raise the border issue through regional and international parliamentary forums, describing such engagement as a peaceful and legitimate diplomatic mechanism. It stated that lasting peace requires more than dialogue and must be based on mutual trust, transparency, and respect for international law and historical boundary instruments.
Cambodia remains committed to the peaceful settlement of disputes and regional stability, emphasizing the importance of accurate and legally grounded information to prevent misinformation from obstructing a just solution to the bilateral border issue.