Regarding Cambodia’s Stance in Resolving Border Issues with Thailand June 23, 2026
Regarding Cambodia’s Stance in Resolving Border Issues with Thailand June 23, 2026
Cambodia PR Team Responses
Regarding Cambodia’s Stance in Resolving Border Issues with Thailand June 23, 2026
Q1: What is the position of the Royal Government of Cambodia regarding the announcement by the Head of the Joint Information Center (JIC) on the Thai-Cambodian situation concerning the use of bilateral mechanisms and the MOU 2000 to resolve border issues with Cambodia?
A: The Thai side’s statement on pursuing the use of bilateral mechanisms and adhering to the MOU-2000 is consistent with what the Cambodian side has consistently been advocating. In fact, the Cambodian JBC and the State Secretariat of Border Affairs have been consistently pushing for the organization of JBC meetings and the deployment of Joint Survey Teams (JSTs) to resume survey and demarcation work on the ground, in accordance with the MOU-2000 and existing agreements between the two countries.
In this regard, Thailand’s affirmation that it supports the resolution of issues through the JBC and the MOU-2000 is viewed as a positive development. What is important going forward is to transform these rhetoric and commitments into concrete actions through the expeditious resumption of the work of the JBC and JSTs, in order to move toward a peaceful solution in accordance with international law and the agreements mutually reached by both parties.
Q2: Is it true, as the Thai side repeatedly alleges that Cambodian civilians living in Prey Chan, Chouk Chey, and Boeng Trakuon village are all intruders who have illegally encroached upon Thai territory?
A: No, it’s not. Cambodian civilians in Prey Chan, Chouk Chey, and Boeng Trakuon village have lived, farmed, and built communities in these areas for many generations. Therefore, the allegation that they are intruders or have encroached upon Thai territory is an unjust accusation that does not reflect the reality of the lives of civilians in these areas.
Cambodia believes that border issues should be resolved based on legal documents, surveys, and demarcation through mutually agreed mechanisms, not by burdening or accusing innocent civilians who have long resided on their own territory. The Royal Government of Cambodia will always protect the rights, dignity, and legitimate interests of Cambodian civilians in the border areas.
Q3: How has the Royal Government of Cambodia responded to the needs of civilians affected by the border situation?
A: The Royal Government of Cambodia has regarded the welfare and safety of its citizens as the highest priority. For civilians who have been displaced or affected by the border situation, the Royal Government has implemented successive measures to provide emergency relief, food, clean water, healthcare services, and other essential supplies.
In particular, the Royal Government has paid close attention to arranging suitable shelters and constructing temporary housing for affected families—which Samdech Techo Hun Sen named “Rorng Cham Village” (Waiting Village)—to ensure that they have safe and dignified accommodation, while absolutely not abandoning the pursuit of territorial claims. The Royal Government has persistently pushed for survey and demarcation work through existing mechanisms to create conditions for civilians to return to live and work in their own communities safely and sustainably.
