Fragile Cambodia-Thailand Ceasefire Needs Urgent Action to Secure Lasting Peace: PM

Prime Minister Hun Manet addresses the ASEAN Future Forum in Hanoi, Vietnam, on June 9. STPM

Prime Minister Hun Manet has raised concerns that while the ceasefire between Cambodia and Thailand remains in place, it remains fragile, stressing that borders and sovereignty must never be changed through force.

Speaking at the 3rd ASEAN Future Forum in Hanoi on Tuesday, Mr Hun Manet said the situation along the border remains a concern despite both countries’ commitment to a peaceful resolution.

“The ceasefire between Cambodia and Thailand continues to hold, but it is fragile,” he said. “Cambodia remains concerned about the situation on the ground in the occupied areas well inside Cambodian territory. Borders and sovereignty must never be altered by force or fait accompli.”

The Prime Minister noted that both Cambodia and Thailand have reaffirmed their commitment to resolving the issue peacefully and transforming the current ceasefire into a permanent peace arrangement.

“Both Cambodia and Thailand have clearly expressed their commitment to a peaceful resolution and the transformation of the existing ceasefire into permanent peace,” he said.

He added that both sides continue to uphold the Joint Statement issued on December 27, 2025, and called for its full implementation.

“Therefore, both sides need to fully, effectively, and urgently implement the Joint Statement in its entirety, in particular Point 3, which calls for the prompt resumption of the survey and demarcation work by the JBC in accordance with existing agreements,” Mr Hun Manet said.

He reiterated Cambodia’s commitment to maintaining good relations with Thailand.

“Cambodia continues to attach great importance to its relationship with Thailand, a close neighbour with a common commitment to peace and prosperity in our region,” he said.

The Prime Minister stressed that respect for international law, treaties and agreements remains essential to restoring trust and ensuring long-term stability.

“Steadfast adherence to international law and existing treaties and agreements, as well as dialogue, good faith and mutual respect, are key and essential to ensuring that sovereignty, territorial integrity and international boundaries are respected, thereby restoring trust, securing lasting peace, and enabling displaced populations to return home safely and with dignity and to restore their normal livelihoods,” he said.

Addressing regional and global security challenges, Mr Hun Manet said ASEAN’s success was built on dialogue, cooperation and mutual respect.

“In the past, Southeast Asia was a region marked by conflict, mistrust, ideological division and poverty,” he said.

“Through dialogue, confidence-building, respect for sovereignty, non-interference and the peaceful settlement of disputes as enshrined in the Charter, ASEAN gradually transformed our region into one of the most stable and dynamic regions in the world.”

He warned that peace should not be taken for granted, noting that conflicts around the world continue to have far-reaching consequences.

-Khmer Times-