Cambodia and Thailand presented opposing views at the United Nations General Assembly concerning their ongoing border dispute, with both nations emphasizing the need for increased trust while blaming each other for insufficient efforts towards a resolution.
Cambodian Foreign Affairs Minister Prak Sokhonn urged Thailand to adhere to existing bilateral agreements, resume border survey and demarcation work, and facilitate the return of displaced civilians to their homes. Sokhonn highlighted that recent tensions have harmed bilateral relations and impacted both civilians and cultural heritage. He stressed that rebuilding trust would require both countries to fulfill previous commitments, prevent further escalation, and adhere to international law.
The maritime dispute between Cambodia and Thailand remains unresolved, with Cambodia expressing its commitment to resolving the issue through international law. Sokhonn mentioned that Cambodia had initiated compulsory conciliation proceedings under the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea after Thailand ended the 2001 Memorandum of Understanding that provided a framework for addressing maritime concerns.
On the other hand, Thailand’s Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul maintained that the conciliation process should focus solely on maritime boundary delimitation. Anutin called on Cambodia to engage in genuine efforts to rebuild trust through bilateral dialogue and emphasized greater cooperation on border security, demining, and combating online scam networks in the region.
The two countries have managed to avoid renewed armed clashes since a ceasefire ended a 21-day confrontation last year. However, disagreements over the border and related matters continue to generate diplomatic tensions. Cambodia has advocated for resolving disputes through existing agreements and international law, whereas Thailand has emphasized bilateral dialogue and cooperation on border security.
During the UN assembly, both nations underscored the importance of stronger international cooperation and peaceful dispute resolution, highlighting the need for ongoing diplomatic engagement to address their outstanding differences.
