Hun Sen: Cambodia–Thailand Border Dispute Is Between States, Not Citizens

Hun Sen: Cambodia–Thailand Border Dispute Is Between States, Not Citizens

Phnom Penh, 9 September 2025 — Samdech Techo Hun Sen, Senate President of the Kingdom of Cambodia, has clarified that the border dispute between Cambodia and Thailand is a matter between states, not a territorial conflict between citizens of the two countries.

The clarification was made in response to a Facebook comment from a user named Chilang Pich, who raised concerns over alleged Thai troop encroachments into Cambodian territory in Banteay Meanchey province, particularly in O’Bai Chorn commune. The commenter claimed that Cambodian villagers had lost their land, were left without shelter, and were waiting for government intervention but had yet to see any mechanism put in place to resolve their plight.

In reply, Hun Sen wrote:

“Please look at the issue more broadly. This is not a land conflict between citizens; it is a dispute between states, and therefore the mechanism to resolve it must also be between states. At the local level, authorities and armed forces are working to assist people while making every effort to prevent the outbreak of another war that could lead to loss of life on both sides.”

It should be noted that the Cambodia–Thailand border issue has sparked debate among the public and on social media, with some questions and claims causing confusion, and even being used by certain individuals for political gain.

On the same day, Prime Minister Hun Manet also posted on his official Facebook account, affirming that all outcomes of past negotiations — including the 28 July special meeting, the Extraordinary General Border Committee (GBC), and the Regional Border Committee (RBC) — have been made public. “There is no concealment, and there have been no secret negotiations outside those meetings,” he stressed.

Regarding border negotiations, Hun Manet reaffirmed that Cambodia remains committed to resolving border issues peacefully through existing mechanisms, specifically the Cambodia–Thailand Joint Border Commission (JBC), based on agreements between the two nations, related treaties, and international law.

He further emphasized that the Royal Government has never abandoned its responsibility toward Cambodian soldiers, national police, and citizens living in areas affected by conflict or other violations.

Hun Sen and Hun Manet both appealed to the Cambodian people to continue trusting the Royal Government, which is working actively to seek a swift resolution in the best interests of the nation and its citizens, even if much of the work is not made public, creating the perception of “silence.”