Cambodia reaffirms sovereignty, rejects any border changes by force, urges immediate joint survey

Cambodia has reaffirmed its firm stance on safeguarding its territorial integrity, rejecting any attempt to alter the Cambodia-Thailand border through force. Supplied

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Cambodia has reaffirmed its firm stance on safeguarding its territorial integrity, rejecting any attempt to alter the Cambodia-Thailand border through force and calling for immediate joint survey and demarcation work under existing bilateral mechanisms.

Government spokesperson Pen Bona, speaking on the morning of January 2, 2026, said Cambodia’s position remains clear and consistent, grounded in international law and longstanding agreements, as both sides implement the Joint Statement issued on 27 December 2025.

Referring to Point 3 of the Joint Statement, Bona said Cambodia and Thailand have agreed that all arrangements under the document are made without prejudice to the international boundary between the two countries.

He stressed that the border issue must be addressed exclusively through the Joint Boundary Commission (JBC), which is mandated to conduct survey and demarcation work in line with existing agreements.

“Cambodia maintains a firm position in safeguarding the Cambodia-Thailand international boundary as inherited from the Commission of the Limitation of the Boundary between Indochina and Siam,” Bona said.

“Any alteration of the boundary line resulting from the use of force will not be recognised.”

He added that both sides have agreed to prioritise the safety and security of joint survey teams, including protection from landmines, and to focus first on surveying affected border areas where civilians reside.

This, he said, is essential to ensuring lasting peace and stability along the frontier.

The spokesperson stressed that Cambodia’s position is rooted in internationally recognised legal principles, including respect for sovereignty, territorial integrity, and the inviolability of borders, as well as the Franco-Siamese treaties, related maps, and subsequent bilateral agreements governing the boundary between the two countries.

“Any action that deviates from the consensus in the joint statement and previous agreements constitutes an unlawful act and a violation of the ceasefire agreement,” Bona said, underscoring that Cambodia remains committed to peaceful resolution through dialogue and established mechanisms.

The statement comes amid continued attention on the implementation of the ceasefire and border arrangements following recent tensions, with Phnom Penh emphasising that stability can only be sustained through adherence to agreed frameworks and respect for international law.

-The Phnom Penh Post-