Prime minister: Border demarcation not to calculate land lost or gained, but to establish clear boundaries

The Cambodia–Thailand border working group uses drone equipment to install temporary border markers along the borderline. Supplied

Prime Minister Hun Manet clarified this morning, November 25, that the objective of the current border measurement and temporary demarcation process is not to calculate land gains or losses, but rather to establish clear and accurate boundary lines between Cambodia and Thailand.

The work is based on historical documents left by the French protectorate and international law.

His clarification came after he became aware of widespread social media discussions concerning alleged land loss or gain resulting from the ongoing temporary border demarcation.

“Cambodia firmly upholds the principle of non-violation of the sovereignty and territorial integrity of neighbouring countries. At the same time, it will not accept any violation of its own sovereignty and territorial integrity,” he emphasised.

The temporary border demarcation is part of a long-term, peaceful solution intended to resolve disputes and allow people living in border areas with unresolved issues to enjoy stability and a return to their normal lives, while ensuring the complete protection of Cambodia’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.

The prime minister explained that once the measurement process is completed, joint working groups from both countries will review the land occupied by residents on both sides, compare it with the temporary border markers, and then discuss mutually acceptable solutions, in accordance with principles of respecting sovereignty and territorial integrity.

He called once again on all Cambodians to trust the Royal Government and the Cambodian Joint Boundary Commission (JBC), which consistently upholds the highest level of professionalism and responsibility, prioritising the supreme national interests.

He stressed the importance of respecting international law, the principle of non-alteration of borders and the international Cambodia–Thailand boundary lines inherited from the Indochina–Siam Border Commission.

-The Phnom Penh Post-