AKP Phnom Penh, October 7, 2026 --

Prime Minister Samdech Moha Borvor Thipadei Hun Manet has reaffirmed the Royal Government’s stance on the border conflict with Thailand and its continued efforts to normalise the situation for people living in conflict-affected areas along the border.

Speaking at the celebration of the 80th founding anniversary of the University of Health Sciences in Phnom Penh on Oct. 6, Samdech Thipadei Hun Manet reiterated that Cambodia did not initiate the armed conflict along the Cambodia-Thailand border, saying the confrontation began after Thai troops opened fire on Cambodian soldiers on Cambodian territory.

“Cambodia has never sought war but has acted to defend its rights, national dignity, sovereignty and territorial integrity,” he underlined.

Recalling the May 28, 2025 incident, Samdech Thipadei Hun Manet said Thai troops had entered Cambodian territory and opened fire on Cambodian soldiers, resulting in the death of a Cambodian soldier, and that the subsequent escalation was not initiated by Cambodia.

The Prime Minister said the armed clashes had affected six of the seven Cambodian provinces along the border with Thailand and forced more than 700,000 civilians to evacuate to safer areas, while causing casualties, displacement and damage to infrastructure.

Samdech Thipadei Hun Manet said the Royal Government has continued to assist affected communities and members of the armed forces.

Following the Dec. 27, 2025 ceasefire, nearly US$2 million has been spent on clearing unexploded ordnance (UXO) from conflict-affected areas. More than 1,600 families whose homes were damaged have received financial assistance for repairs, while 36 families whose houses were completely destroyed have received newly built homes. For people who have not yet been able to return, the Royal Government has built nearly 5,000 houses at a cost of about US$59 million, in addition to providing infrastructure and social assistance.

The Royal Government has also supported families of fallen soldiers, including through housing, financial assistance and educational opportunities for their children. Meanwhile, financial institutions have provided debt repayment extensions for affected civilians and military personnel, while some loans owed by families of fallen soldiers have been fully written off.

Reaffirming Cambodia’s commitment to peace and a peaceful settlement of the conflict, Samdech Thipadei also shared outcomes of a recent meeting with U.S. diplomatic representatives, including discussions on the spirit of the Kuala Lumpur Accord – the Joint Declaration by the Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Cambodia and the Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Thailand on the outcomes of their meeting in Kuala Lumpur in October last year – as well as the Joint Boundary Commission (JBC) mechanism and Cambodia’s continued exercise of restraint in the conflict.

Finally, Samdech Thipadei Hun Manet called on the public to show understanding of the legal and diplomatic processes for resolving the issue, including the use of mechanisms under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS).

Samdech Thipadei affirmed that the Royal Government has never given up Cambodian territory to another nation, adding that the various processes may take more time to reach a settlement.

By Heng Panha