The Royal Government’s chief spokesman briefed the nation yesterday on Prime Minister Hun Manet’s high-stakes international mission, describing his current visits to the United States and Europe as a masterclass in “active diplomacy” aimed at safeguarding territorial integrity and protecting Cambodian citizens.
Speaking at a press conference titled “Update on Developments in the Cambodia-Thailand Border Situation” at the Office of the Council of Ministers, spokesman Pen Bona confirmed that the Prime Minister is currently in Washington, D.C. His visit follows a formal invitation from US President Donald J. Trump to participate in the inaugural meeting of the “Board of Peace” — a newly established international body headquartered in Washington that aims to provide an alternative framework for resolving global conflicts.
The mission takes place at a crucial point in regional security. In an exclusive interview with Reuters in Washington on February 17.
Mr Hun Manet revealed that, despite a ceasefire facilitated by President Trump in December 2025, Thai armed forces have continued to occupy strategic locations within territory that Cambodia considers its own. He alleged that Thai troops have encroached beyond Thailand’s own unilateral claim lines, installing shipping containers and barbed-wire barricades that prevent nearly 80,000 displaced Cambodian civilians from returning to their villages.
“These are not accusations, but a reflection of the ground reality,” the Prime Minister informed the news agency. He stated that while Cambodia remains committed to peace, it cannot accept the “unlawful occupation” of its sovereign land. He expressed hope that the Board of Peace would serve as a “valuable addition” to existing international mechanisms to assist de-escalate the “fragile” border situation, which has seen sporadic clashes and massive civilian displacement since mid-2025.
Bona stated that the defence of the kingdom’s borders remains the “paramount priority” of the administration. He reaffirmed Cambodia’s unwavering position in upholding the international boundary lines as established by the Franco-Siamese Boundary Commission over a century ago. This stance is rooted in the legal principle of uti possidetis juris — the preservation of borders inherited from the colonial era — and the maps recognised in the Franco-Siamese treaties of 1904 and 1907.
He stated that Cambodia rejects any unilateral alteration of the border by force, opting instead for a “mature and nuanced” diplomatic approach. Following his high-level engagements in the United States, which include bilateral meetings with US dignitaries and global leaders, the Prime Minister will travel to Geneva and Brussels. These European legs of the tour are designed to strengthen ties with the European Union and engage with development partners to promote trade, tourism, and investment.
Critics and regional observers have stated that the Prime Minister’s presence at the Board of Peace meeting allows FCambodia’s voice to resonate on the world stage, drawing international attention to what Phnom Penh describes as Thailand’s infringements upon its sovereignty. The Royal Government has called on the Thai side to allow the Joint Boundary Commission (JBC) to urgently resume technical surveying and demarcation work, as agreed in a joint statement signed on December 27. 2025.
The diplomatic mission is also regarded as a strategic shift to diversify Cambodia’s foreign relations. By engaging directly with the Trump administration and European leaders, Hun Manet is positioning the kingdom as a proactive actor in global peace efforts while simultaneously securing domestic interests.
“The objective is to promote a peaceful and just resolution to the border issue with Thailand through mutually agreed mechanisms and on the basis of international law,” Pen Bona stated. The spokesperson concluded by reaffirming that Cambodia’s commitment to pacifism remains steadrapid, but its resolve to protect its land and people is “absolute.”
As the Board of Peace convenes its first sessions in Washington, the Cambodian delegation remains focapplyd on ensuring that the December 27 ceasefire results in a lasting and clearly defined peace, allowing tens of thousands of citizens to finally return to their homes safely. AKP
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