AKP Phnom Penh, October 8, 2026 —

Prime Minister Samdech Moha Borvor Thipadei Hun Manet has reaffirmed Cambodia’s commitment to defending its territory and territorial integrity based on the 1907 Franco-Siamese Treaty, which complemented the 1904 Franco-Siamese Convention.

Speaking at the graduation ceremony for some 2,000 graduates of the University of Management and Economics in Battambang province on Thursday, Samdech Thipadei Hun Manet said Cambodia would continue to uphold its legitimate rights under the existing treaties and conventions while protecting the country’s territory through international law and diplomacy.

“We don’t claim any land outside the 1904 Franco-Siamese Convention and the 1907 Franco-Siamese Treaty,” he said. “We demand only the land stated in those two important documents to protect our legality.”

The Prime Minister said that Thailand may currently occupy some of those areas, but described such presence as illegal occupation. Cambodia, he added, would continue its diplomatic efforts and use established mechanisms, including the Joint Boundary Commission (JBC) and the 2000 Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), to address border-related issues.

Samdech Thipadei said Cambodia wanted a swift resolution and was not satisfied with prolonged disputes. However, he emphasised that the country would continue to pursue legal and diplomatic means rather than resorting to force.

According to Samdech Thipadei Hun Manet, the use of force or military occupation cannot by itself establish permanent legal ownership of territory as long as Cambodia does not recognise such a situation.

“The power of resolving an issue by the use of guns cannot be held legally and permanently as long as we do not recognise it,” he said.

The Prime Minister stressed that Cambodia would continue to preserve its legal rights, uphold existing agreements and pursue diplomacy in seeking a proper and peaceful solution.

Samdech Thipadei also warned that without mutual understanding and agreement, disputes could continue indefinitely, underscoring the importance of international law, diplomatic negotiations and mechanisms such as the JBC and the MoU in achieving a lasting settlement.

By Heng Panha