Cambodia and Thailand are locked in a diplomatic struggle over their unresolved border dispute, as highlighted at the United Nations General Assembly. Both nations have emphasized the need for greater trust and cooperation, yet continue to accuse each other of insufficient effort toward a settlement.
Cambodian Foreign Affairs Minister Prak Sokhonn urged Thailand to adhere to bilateral agreements, resume border surveys, and allow displaced civilians to return home. He noted that recent tensions have strained relations and impacted civilians and cultural heritage. Sokhonn emphasized that rebuilding trust necessitates honoring past commitments, avoiding further escalation, and respecting international law.
The dispute extends beyond land borders, with a maritime disagreement remaining unresolved. Cambodia has initiated compulsory conciliation proceedings under the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea following Thailand’s termination of a 2001 Memorandum of Understanding that addressed maritime issues. However, Thailand insists that the conciliation should focus solely on maritime boundary delimitation. Thai Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul called for genuine efforts from Cambodia to prioritize bilateral dialogue in rebuilding trust.
Anutin also advocated for enhanced cooperation on border security, demining, and tackling online scam networks affecting the region. Despite avoiding renewed armed clashes since a ceasefire ended a 21-day confrontation last year, diplomatic tensions persist over the border and related issues.
Both Cambodia and Thailand have called for disputes to be resolved through existing agreements and international law, while stressing the importance of international cooperation and peaceful dispute resolution. At the UN, both countries underscored the need for ongoing diplomatic engagement to address their differences.