AKP Phnom Penh, October 21, 2026 --

Prime Minister Samdech Moha Borvor Thipadei Hun Manet has set out conditions for proposed talks with opposition politician Mr. Um Sam An and his border expert team to examine documents and evidence concerning the Cambodia-Thailand border between boundary markers No. 52 and No. 59, following his positive response to an invitation to present evidence supporting his allegations against the Royal Government.

In a statement posted on his social media networks on Wednesday, the Cambodian Premier welcomed Mr. Um Sam An’s response to the invitation to bring all relevant documents and evidence to discuss with the expert team of the State Secretariat of Border Affairs in Cambodia. The talks aim to examine his allegations that the Royal Government has ceded Cambodian territory to Thailand in the area.

The statement noted that Mr. Um Sam An’s position had changed several times over the past two weeks. It said he had variously expressed concerns about coming to Cambodia for security reasons, demanded a pardon, later said he would come without one, claimed to possess sufficient evidence, and subsequently indicated that he lacked clear documentation. He had also raised different conditions concerning the participation of French border experts and the scope of the proposed discussions.

Samdech Thipadei Hun Manet stressed that his position had remained consistent from the outset: Mr. Um Sam An and his team should bring their documents and evidence concerning the border between markers No. 52 and No. 59, particularly the locations where they have alleged that the government’s border team placed boundary markers inside Cambodian territory, resulting in Cambodia losing land to Thailand.

To ensure clarity and facilitate the discussions, the Prime Minister outlined four conditions.

First, the talks must focus exclusively on the Cambodia–Thailand border between markers No. 52 and No. 59 and be based on technical expertise, documents and concrete evidence. Mr. Um Sam An must assemble a clearly identified team of experts with knowledge of border demarcation and prepare all relevant materials for verification at the locations concerned inside Cambodian territory.

Second, Mr. Um Sam An and his team must limit their activities in Cambodia to technical discussions and evidence verification with the Royal Government’s border team. They must not use the visit to conduct political activities, whether publicly or privately.

Third, the discussions may take place at any time after Nov.r 28, 2026. The statement explained that, before that date, the Royal Government would be occupied with preparations for the Francophonie Summit, which Cambodia will host, as well as participation in the third meeting of the conciliation commission under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) involving Cambodia and Thailand.

Fourth, Mr. Um Sam An and his team may arrive in Cambodia no earlier than two days before the discussions begin and must leave the country no later than two days after the verification process concludes.

The statement emphasised that the assurance provided by the Royal Government applied solely to the visit for discussions and verification concerning the border between markers No. 52 and No. 59, and only within the specified timeframe.

If Mr. Um Sam An accepts the conditions, he is asked to confirm the composition of his delegation and its expected arrival date. He is also requested to specify what assistance the Royal Government could provide, including accommodation, transport and security arrangements, to ensure that appropriate preparations can be made.

By C. Nika