DPM Sok Chenda Sophea says Thailand poses ‘grave challenge’ to Cambodia’s territorial integrity

Deputy Prime Minister Sok Chenda Sophea speaking a high-level meeting in Belgrade commemorating the 65th anniversary of the first conference of the Non-Aligned Movement. AKP

Deputy Prime Minister Sok Chenda Sophea said yesterday that the situation along the Thai border remains “fragile”, with Thailand’s actions designed to alter the boundary between the two countries by force.

“Cambodia faces a grave challenge to its territorial integrity,” he told a high-level meeting in Belgrade commemorating the 65th anniversary of the first conference of the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM).

Unilateral Thai Actions

“Despite existing agreements and the binding judgments of the International Court of Justice (ICJ), Thailand continues unilateral actions deep inside Cambodian territory, including the installation of barbed wire, the construction of permanent infrastructure, and the displacement of Cambodian civilians.

“Such actions amount to faits accomplis designed to alter borders by force, in clear violation of international law and NAM’s founding principles.”

While the December ceasefire has halted armed clashes, “the situation remains fragile, particularly given the forced eviction of Cambodian civilians who have lived in the affected areas for generations,” the Deputy Prime Minister said.

“Cambodia has consistently exercised the utmost restraint and remains firmly committed to dialogue and the peaceful settlement of all outstanding issues, in strict accordance with bilateral agreements and international law, including the Charter of the United Nations and the Charter of ASEAN.”

Cambodia Committed to Peaceful Resolution

“Consistent with the NAM’s legacy, Cambodia remains unwavering in its commitment to peaceful resolution.

“We call upon Thailand to cease all activities in Cambodian territory, to fully implement existing agreements, and to resume bilateral mechanisms in good faith. We urge respect for international law, for the judgments of the ICJ, and for the dignity and rights of displaced civilians who must be allowed to return safely to their homes.”

Sophea stressed that Cambodia “categorically rejects” aggression against its sovereignty.

“We cannot and will not accept unilateral measures that undermine peace, destabilise communities, and erode trust between our two nations.”

-Khmer Times-