Cambodia reaffirms peaceful path on Thai border

Cambodia’s military leadership has underlined its determination to resolve the long‑running border dispute with Thailand through dialogue and international law, stressing that peace remains the Kingdom’s priority.

On Wednesday, Royal Cambodian Armed Forces commander‑in‑chief Vong Pisen praised the work of the ASEAN Observer Team (AOT) during a ceremony in Phnom Penh. He commended the team’s professionalism in monitoring the frontier and helping to build trust between the two sides, despite difficult conditions that included night patrols and even gunfire.

Pisen thanked ASEAN member states, particularly Malaysia, for their support in maintaining the ceasefire and contributing personnel to the mission. He described the observer team’s role as a milestone in ASEAN history, reflecting regional unity and a shared commitment to stability at a time of global uncertainty.

The commander stressed that Cambodia will continue to pursue a peaceful and lawful resolution to the border issue, insisting that unity and cooperation among ASEAN nations are essential for prosperity and development.

Later the same day, Senate president Hun Sen echoed the message during talks with Singapore’s new ambassador, Pang Chee Wee. Acting as head of state, Hun Sen reaffirmed Cambodia’s stance: disputes must be settled through negotiations and existing mechanisms such as the Joint Border Committee. He thanked Singapore for sending observers and expressed hope for stronger bilateral ties in trade, politics and investment.

The December ceasefire between Cambodia and Thailand remains in place, though high‑level meetings have yet to resume, with Thai authorities repeatedly postponing talks. Cambodian officials say they remain committed to keeping the peace and restoring normalcy along the frontier.

The twin statements from Pisen and Hun Sen highlight a consistent message: Cambodia wants peace. By emphasising dialogue, regional cooperation and adherence to international law, the Kingdom is positioning itself as a stabilising force in Southeast Asia, even as tensions linger on its borders.

-2026-04-03