Cambodian envoy to Japan challenges Nikkei Asia report on border dispute with Thailand

Cambodian envoy to Japan challenges Nikkei Asia report on border dispute with Thailand

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Cambodia’s ambassador to Japan, Chum Sounry, has sent a formal letter to the editor of Nikkei Asia, criticising what he described as incomplete and unbalanced reporting on the Cambodia-Thailand border situation in an article examining the dispute’s impact on Japanese businesses and regional supply chains.

In the letter dated June 1, Ambassador Chum Sounry responded to Nikkei Asia’s May 29 article, “Thai-Cambodian Border Clash Fallout Hits Japan Auto Industry”, arguing that the report failed to adequately reflect Cambodia’s position on the territorial dispute and relied heavily on Thai perspectives.

The ambassador objected to the article’s reference to the disputed area as “Nong Chan” in Thailand’s Sa Kaeo Province, saying the location is known by Cambodia as Chouk Chey Village in O’Chrov District, Banteay Meanchey Province.

He said describing the area solely by its Thai designation without acknowledging Cambodia’s claim “presents an incomplete account of the issue and may inadvertently convey legitimacy to one side’s territorial claim”.

The letter also challenged the article’s assertion that Thailand “now effectively controls the area”, emphasising that physical control or military presence does not determine sovereignty.

“Effective military presence or physical control does not determine sovereignty,” Ambassador Sounry wrote, adding that Cambodia does not recognise any boundary changes established through force, occupation, or unilateral territorial claims.

According to the ambassador, the Cambodian government formally protested on May 30 Thailand’s continued occupation of what it considers Cambodian territory. The protest cited the presence of Thai armed forces in the area since December 27, 2025, and raised concerns over the construction of roads, permanent structures, Buddha statues, flagpoles and other installations.

He argued that such activities violate commitments made under the Joint Statement of the Third Special Meeting of the General Border Committee on December 27, 2025, in which both sides agreed to maintain existing troop deployments and avoid actions that could affect the border demarcation process.

The ambassador further criticised the article for reproducing allegations by Thai military personnel that Cambodian forces may have planted landmines despite a ceasefire agreement and warnings of possible future fighting without including Cambodia’s response or independent verification.

“These are serious assertions with potential implications for public perceptions of the conflict,” he wrote, stressing that allegations from one side should be clearly distinguished from verified facts and accompanied by the views of the other party.

Reaffirming Cambodia’s official position, Ambassador Chum stated that border issues should be resolved peacefully and in accordance with international law, existing bilateral agreements and mechanisms, the United Nations Charter, the ASEAN Charter, and the Treaty of Amity and Cooperation in Southeast Asia.

He cited Prime Minister Hun Manet’s remarks at the ASEAN Summit that internationally recognised borders cannot be altered through force or the creation of faits accomplis.

While maintaining its stance on sovereignty and territorial integrity, Cambodia remains committed to dialogue, peaceful dispute settlement and good-neighbourly relations, the ambassador said.

He emphasised the importance of accurate and balanced reporting in helping the public better understand the dispute and in supporting efforts toward a peaceful and lasting resolution.

“I trust that these clarifications will contribute to a fuller and more accurate understanding of the issues concerned,” Ambassador Sounry wrote.

-Khmer Times-