PM says Cambodia will not accept illegal Thai occupation or forced border changes
#National
Prime Minister Hun Manet, has stated that Thai forces are illegally occupying Cambodian territory and that Cambodia will never recognise any alteration of its border lines through the use of force.
The Prime Minister made these remarks in an exclusive interview with Reuters on Tuesday (US time), while he was in the US to attend the inaugural meeting of the Board of Peace in Washington, DC, scheduled for Thursday.
Thai troops are illegally occupying Cambodian territory under international law following clashes last year, despite the existence of a peace agreement mediated by US President Donald Trump, the Prime Minister said, adding that Cambodia has called on Thailand to allow the Joint Boundary Commission to resume work in the disputed border areas.
Hun Manet further noted that Thai forces are occupying Cambodian land in multiple locations beyond even the boundary lines unilaterally claimed by Thailand.
At the same time, he expressed hope that the newly established Board of Peace could play a role in easing tensions along the border, which he described as “fragile,” despite the ceasefire that took effect on December 27, and brought renewed fighting to an end.
It is recalled that Thailand launched two incursions against Cambodia’s territorial integrity last year, the first lasting five days from July 24 to 28, and the second lasting 21 days from December 7 to 27.
Although there have been no further armed clashes since then, Thailand has continued what Cambodia describes as serious violations of its sovereignty, in disregard of international law. These actions include the installation of barbed wire, drainage pipes, shipping containers, trench digging, and the demolition of civilian homes in areas previously seized through aggression.
Furthermore, Thai troops have attempted to create new facts on the ground (fait accompli), which Cambodia categorically rejects. The government has repeatedly lodged formal protests through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, firmly opposing these actions, and reaffirming its determination to defend national sovereignty and territorial integrity, both now and in the future, by all available means in accordance with international law.
Cambodia reiterates that it will never recognise any modification of its borders, any illegal occupation of its territory, or any change imposed through the use of force. AKP
