Prime Minister Hun Manet Urges UN Secretary-General to Encourage Thailand to Pursue Peaceful Border Resolution

Prime Minister Hun Manet Urges UN Secretary-General to Encourage Thailand to Pursue Peaceful Border Resolution

Tianjin, China – September 1, 2025 – Samdech Moha Borvor Thipadei Hun Manet, Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Cambodia, has called on United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres to encourage Thailand to avoid the use of military force in addressing unresolved border disputes, particularly in areas with civilian populations.

The appeal was made during a bilateral meeting held on the sidelines of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) Plus Summit in Tianjin, China.

Prime Minister Hun Manet stressed that Cambodia is committed to a peaceful settlement of the border issue and urged greater international engagement to prevent further escalation. In response, Secretary-General Guterres welcomed the ceasefire agreement reached between the Cambodian and Thai militaries following the July clashes, and reaffirmed his support for dialogue and peaceful resolution.

According to Prime Minister Hun Manet, the Secretary-General agreed to encourage both countries to resolve outstanding issues through established bilateral mechanisms, notably the Cambodia–Thailand Joint Boundary Commission (JBC), in line with relevant agreements, treaties, and international law.

During his visit to China, Prime Minister Hun Manet also met with H.E. Xi Jinping, President of the People’s Republic of China. President Xi reiterated China’s support for the ceasefire, expressed strong backing for the ASEAN-led monitoring mechanism under Malaysia’s leadership, and called for the early establishment of the ASEAN Observer Team (AOT). He further underscored China’s position that both sides must refrain from the use of force, especially in civilian-populated areas.

The Cambodia–Thailand border dispute escalated into armed clashes from July 24 to July 28, 2025, before a ceasefire was brokered on the night of July 28. While the truce remains in effect, tensions persist. Thailand has accused Cambodia of laying new landmines in violation of international conventions, a claim Cambodia has firmly rejected. Cambodian authorities have also reported incidents of Thai soldiers placing barbed wire within Cambodian territory in Oddar Meanchey and Banteay Meanchey provinces.

Despite the ceasefire holding for over a month, tens of thousands of civilians displaced by the fighting remain in temporary shelters, reluctant to return home due to security concerns. While some families residing farther from the border have gradually returned, the humanitarian situation for many displaced persons continues to be a pressing issue.