Vak NaK

CAMBODIA, THAILAND MOVE TO RESTORE TIES THROUGH DIRECT TALKS AND TRUST-BUILDING

May 7, 2026 — Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet and Thai Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul held trilateral talks on the sidelines of the 48th ASEAN Leaders’ Summit in Cebu on Thursday, reaffirming their commitment to direct dialogue, de-escalation, and long-term peace between the two neighboring countries.

The meeting was hosted by Philippine President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. and focused on strengthening regional cooperation and restoring trust amid ongoing conflict along the Cambodia–Thailand border.

Prime Minister Hun Manet was accompanied by Deputy Prime Minister Prak Sokhonn, Cambodia’s Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation.

“RESUME DIRECT TALKS”

Speaking at a joint press conference following the meeting, Prime Minister Hun Manet said Cambodia and Thailand shared a common commitment to pursuing lasting peace through dialogue and confidence-building measures.

He said both sides agreed to prioritize de-escalation efforts and restore functional bilateral mechanisms aimed at normalizing relations and preventing further tensions.

“We discussed the resumption of all existing mechanisms, namely the JBC, GBC, and RBC, now that the new government of Thailand has assumed full functionality,” Hun Manet said.

The Cambodian premier also expressed appreciation for the role of the ASEAN Observer Team (AOT) and thanked ASEAN member states for their continued support in promoting regional stability and peaceful engagement.

The trilateral discussions further underscored the importance of people-to-people exchanges, including initiatives through the Cambodia–Thailand Friendship Association, as part of broader efforts to rebuild trust and mutual understanding between the two nations.

“Moving forward, we have tasked our two foreign ministers to continue detailed discussions and carry them forward in a practical and results-oriented manner,” Hun Manet added.

“ON LAND, MARITIME DISPUTES”

Addressing the ongoing land dispute, Hun Manet reiterated Cambodia’s position that international borders cannot be altered through force or unilateral actions.

“Cambodia reiterates that borders cannot be changed or determined by force or through fait accompli,” he stressed.

The Cambodian prime minister also called for the full and immediate implementation of the Joint Statement issued on December 27, particularly the prompt resumption of border survey and demarcation work under the Joint Boundary Commission (JBC), in accordance with existing agreements and without further delay.

“We believe these mechanisms are essential to ending tensions on the ground and ensuring that sovereignty, territorial integrity, and international boundaries are respected in accordance with international law and existing treaties and agreements, thereby fostering trust and achieving lasting peace between our two countries,” Hun Manet said.

On maritime issues, Hun Manet confirmed that both leaders also discussed the future handling of overlapping maritime claims following Cambodia’s decision to initiate compulsory conciliation under United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea after Thailand withdrew from the 2001 Memorandum of Understanding.

“Cambodia believes this is a peaceful path toward a fair solution for both parties,” he said.

In his closing remarks, Hun Manet reaffirmed Cambodia’s commitment to resolving disputes peacefully and in accordance with international law, existing agreements, the Kuala Lumpur Joint Declaration of October 26, 2025, and the Joint Statement of December 27, 2025.

“Cambodia stands ready to move forward constructively, swiftly, and in good faith,” he concluded.

| By: Reno Tallada