AKP Phnom Penh, May 07, 2026 -- 

Cambodia has reaffirmed its commitment to de-escalation and peaceful dialogue with Thailand, while calling for the full implementation of existing border agreements and a strengthened role for the ASEAN Observer Team (AOT).

Speaking at a joint press conference following the Trilateral Meeting between leaders of Cambodia, the Philippines, and Thailand on Thursday evening, on the sidelines of the 48th ASEAN Summit in Cebu, the Philippines, Samdech Moha Borvor Thipadei Hun Manet, Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Cambodia, said the talks focused on confidence-building measures and efforts to restore a functioning framework for lasting peace and re-normalised bilateral relations.

The discussions further addressed the resumption of existing bilateral mechanisms, including the Joint Boundary Commission (JBC), General Border Committee (GBC), and Regional Border Committee (RBC), following the restoration of full functionality within Thailand’s new government.

The Cambodian Premier expressed appreciation for the AOT’s continued role and thanked ASEAN member states for their support and contributions. He also welcomed the Philippines’ assumption of leadership of the AOT from Malaysia.

Cambodia pledged full cooperation with the observer mission and called for an enhanced role for the AOT in verifying and ensuring the implementation of the ceasefire and all agreed measures, he added.

Samdech Thipadei also highlighted the importance of people-to-people exchanges, including initiatives through the Cambodia-Thailand Friendship Association, as part of broader efforts to rebuild trust and promote mutual understanding between the two nations.

Looking ahead, both countries agreed to task their foreign ministers with continuing detailed discussions in a practical and results-oriented manner.

Samdech Thipadei reiterated Cambodia’s position that borders cannot be altered through force or the creation of a “fait accompli” on the ground. He also urged the full and immediate implementation of the Joint Statement of Dec. 27, particularly Point 3 related to the prompt resumption of border survey and demarcation work under the JBC framework.

According to the Cambodian Prime Minister, the mechanism will be essential to ensure the end of the practice of fait accompli on the ground and to guarantee that sovereignty, territorial integrity, and international boundary are respected in accordance with international laws, existing treaties and agreements. 

By C. Nika