Regarding the Royal Government’s Position on Resolving Cambodia–Thailand Border Issues November 11, 2026

Regarding the Royal Government’s Position on Resolving Cambodia–Thailand Border Issues November 11, 2026

Cambodia PR Team Responses
Regarding the Royal Government’s Position on Resolving Cambodia–Thailand Border Issues
November 11, 2026

Question 1: After 26 years of enjoying peace, what challenges did the 2025 Cambodia–Thailand border conflict pose to the peace, security, and well-being of the Cambodian people?

Answer: The 26 years of peace provided the Cambodian people with the opportunity to live in peace and contribute to national development, following several decades of war and division. However, the outbreak of armed conflict along the Cambodia–Thailand border in July and December 2025 had severe consequences for the livelihoods of the Cambodian people, resulting in loss of life, destruction of property, and the forced displacement of more than 640,000 people from their homes.
This situation demonstrates that peace is not merely about ending fighting. It must also ensure that people can live in safety and exercise their right to remain in their homes without fear. This is why Cambodia remains committed to resolving border issues with Thailand through peaceful means, in order to protect the well-being of its people.

Question 2: Why does Cambodia insist that Thailand fully implement all provisions of the Joint Statement of December 27, 2025, and prioritize the work of the Joint Boundary Commission (JBC)?

Answer: Cambodia insists that Thailand fully implement every provision of the Joint Statement of December 27, 2025, because maintaining the ceasefire and reducing tensions must go hand in hand with implementing, monitoring and verification mechanisms, as well as resolving border issues through mechanisms mutually agreed upon by both parties. Failure to implement any of its provisions could undermine confidence-building efforts and prevent progress in resolving border issues.
In fact, since the second ceasefire came into effect on December 27, 2025, the Cambodian side of the JBC has sent 12 diplomatic notes to the Thai side, requesting the convening of a special JBC meeting and the deployment of Joint Survey Teams (JSTs) to resume on-the-ground surveying work. These requests are in accordance with the Minutes of the Special JBC Meeting of October 22, 2025, and Point 3 of the GBC Joint Statement of December 27, 2025.
The importance of advancing the JBC’s work lies not only in resolving border issues through technical procedures and in accordance with international law, but also in its direct impact on the livelihoods and rights of the people. At present, around 20,000 Cambodians remain unable to return to their homes due to obstructions by the Thai military, which has deployed barbed wire and shipping containers and destroyed homes. Therefore, the full implementation of the Joint Statement and the prompt resumption of the JBC’s work are essential steps toward creating the conditions for displaced people to return to their homes without obstruction, safely and with dignity.