(Ratanakiri): Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet confirmed that the Kingdom has established a comprehensive set of mechanisms to address the ongoing border dispute with Thailand, comprising technical procedures, bilateral negotiations, and international legal channels. He also asserted that Cambodia will respond with military force should Thailand initiate an armed incursion.

The premier spoke on Saturday (Jun. 7) at the inauguration of school buildings and achievements in the education sector in Ratanakiri Province.

Samdech Thipadei briefed citizens on the outcomes of his recent discussion with Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, the current Chair of ASEAN, held on 6 June 2025. He outlined Cambodia’s four-point stance on the issue.

“Cambodia’s strategy is based on three primary mechanisms. First, we follow a technical framework—working through the bilateral border commissions while referencing mutually agreed legal documents and maps,” the premier underscored.

The premier noted that for the Cambodia–Thailand border, both nations had agreed under the 2000 Memorandum of Understanding (MoU 2000) to use maps produced from the 1904 French-Siam treaty and the 1907 demarcation process. Specifically, the 1/200,000-scale maps serve as the basis for resolving disputes along the over 800-kilometre stretch, from the Emerald Triangle to Cham Yeam in Koh Kong Province.

“If technical mechanisms fail, we turn to international legal options. Initially, we attempt to address the matter through international forums. If those avenues are exhausted, we then proceed to a formal international legal resolution,” Samdech Thipadei continued.

Samdech Thipadei Hun Manet also addressed criticisms regarding the timing of the government’s actions, stating that Cambodia seeks to resolve these longstanding issues now to avoid leaving them as burdens for future generations.

On the occasion, Samdech Thipadei also made it clear that if Thailand uses military force to encroach upon Cambodian territory, Cambodia will respond decisively to defend its sovereignty and territorial integrity.

The premier urged all Cambodian citizens to remain calm and avoid spreading inflammatory or nationalistic rhetoric that could escalate tensions or incite conflict between the two nations.
=FRESH NEWS