Cambodia’s Prime Minister, Hun Manet, expressed a desire for peaceful conflict resolution regarding the ongoing border dispute with Thailand. The two Southeast Asian nations have faced clashes over their border for decades, with recent incidents resulting in casualties and displacements.
In a rare international interview with AFP in Brussels, Hun Manet emphasized Cambodia’s stance on de-escalation and peaceful coexistence, refuting Thailand’s accusations of violating a truce by firing near a Thai patrol. Cambodia alleges that Thai forces have occupied border areas and demanded their withdrawal, while Thailand claims it is reclaiming historically Thai land previously occupied by Cambodians.
Although Hun Manet did not disclose the exact extent of land captured by Thai forces, he noted that they had encroached significantly beyond the recognized frontier. He reiterated Cambodia’s commitment to seeking peaceful solutions and de-escalation rather than engaging in further conflict to regain lost territory.
The border conflict between the two countries, rooted in disagreements over the colonial-era demarcation by France, has prompted Cambodia to seek French assistance, access to historical records, and the resumption of joint border commission efforts to address the longstanding issue.
