(Phnom Penh): Cambodian Minister of Information Neth Pheaktra reaffirmed that unilateral attempts to create new facts on the ground through military force cannot override legal instruments, alter established international boundaries, or create lawful territorial rights.

In a social media post concerning the Cambodia-Thailand border situation, Neth Pheaktra cited officials of the State Secretariat of Border Affairs as saying that geographical facts, historical records, and cartographic evidence cannot be altered by unilateral claims.

According to the minister, the 1:200,000-scale map produced through the Franco-Siamese boundary delimitation process places Prasat Khna within Cambodian territory. He added that even Thailand's unilaterally produced 1:50,000-scale L7017 map shows both Prasat Khna and Ta Muen Thom Temple as being situated within Cambodian territory.

The minister underlined that the use of armed force to seize or occupy territory cannot establish sovereignty or alter an international boundary.

“Military force cannot substitute for law, and occupation by force cannot constitute a lawful basis for territorial claims,” the minister stated.

“Cambodia considers the Thai military’s use of armed force to enter Cambodian territory and its continued occupation of locations within Cambodian territory to constitute a serious violation of Cambodia’s sovereignty and territorial integrity. Cambodia has lodged its strongest protests and categorically rejects any situation created through the use of force or unlawful occupation,” he added.

“Military occupation is not boundary delimitation. Creating facts on the ground cannot erase legal instruments, established cartographic evidence, or boundaries grounded in law,” the minister underscored.
At the same time, the minister reaffirmed Cambodia's commitment to resolving border issues peacefully, in accordance with international law and through the border mechanisms mutually agreed upon by both countries.

He called on Thailand to cease all unilateral actions aimed at creating new facts on the ground, respect Cambodia’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, and address outstanding border issues through peaceful and lawful means—not through military force.

“Maps cannot be redrawn by force of arms, and international boundaries cannot be changed through military occupation,” Neth Pheaktra concluded.
=FRESH NEWS