Cambodia has drawn a clear line in the sand — and it’s not just symbolic.
Prime Minister Samdech Moha Borvor Thipadei Hun Manet has firmly declared that Cambodia will never recognize any alteration of its borders through force, accusing Thai troops of illegally occupying Cambodian territory under international law.
It’s a bold statement. And in geopolitics, bold statements matter.
Speaking during an exclusive interview with Reuters while attending the inaugural Board of Peace meeting in Washington, D.C., the Prime Minister made it clear: Cambodia views Thailand’s presence in disputed border areas as unlawful and unacceptable.
So what’s really happening along the Cambodia–Thailand border? Why is this dispute flaring up again? And what could it mean for regional stability in Southeast Asia?
Let’s break it down.
Cambodia–Thailand Border Dispute: What Sparked The Latest Tensions?
Border disputes between Cambodia and Thailand are not new. The two nations share a long and historically sensitive boundary stretching over 800 kilometers. While much of it is clearly demarcated, certain sections remain disputed — and that’s where tensions ignite.
In 2025, the situation escalated dramatically.
Thailand launched two military incursions into Cambodian territory:
- First incursion: July 24–28 (five days)
- Second incursion: December 7–27 (21 days)
Although a ceasefire took effect on December 27, 2025, halting open combat, Cambodia argues that violations have continued — just in quieter, more strategic ways.
And here’s the critical point: in international disputes, silence after a ceasefire doesn’t always mean peace. Sometimes it just means the battlefield has changed.
Cambodia Accuses Thailand Of Illegal Occupation
Prime Minister Hun Manet did not mince words. According to him, Thai forces are currently occupying Cambodian land — not only in areas Thailand claims, but beyond even those unilaterally declared boundaries.
Under international law, any territorial occupation without mutual agreement or legal justification is considered illegal. Cambodia maintains that Thai troops remain stationed in contested areas despite the ceasefire and a peace agreement previously mediated by U.S. President Donald Trump.
From Cambodia’s perspective, this is not just a border misunderstanding. It’s a matter of sovereignty.
And sovereignty isn’t negotiable.
The Peace Agreement And The Fragile Ceasefire
A U.S.-mediated peace effort led to a ceasefire agreement that officially stopped renewed fighting on December 27, 2025. The agreement was supposed to stabilize the situation and create room for diplomatic engagement.
But here’s the problem: ceasefires freeze violence — they don’t solve root disputes.
Prime Minister Hun Manet described the current border situation as “fragile.” That word carries weight. Fragile means one wrong move could shatter the calm.
Cambodia has called on Thailand to allow the Joint Boundary Commission (JBC) to resume its work in disputed areas. The JBC is the formal bilateral mechanism designed to demarcate and manage border issues through technical and diplomatic dialogue.
In other words, Cambodia is pushing for maps and negotiations — not military positioning.
Allegations Of “Fait Accompli” Tactics
One of the strongest accusations from Phnom Penh is that Thai forces are attempting to create a “fait accompli” — a French term meaning a situation that is irreversible because it has already been carried out.
What does that look like on the ground?
According to Cambodian officials, it includes:
- Installing barbed wire
- Placing drainage pipes
- Deploying shipping containers
- Digging trenches
- Demolishing civilian homes in contested areas
These are not random acts. They are physical changes to the landscape — actions that can solidify territorial control over time.
Think of it like placing furniture in someone else’s house and slowly claiming it as your own.
Cambodia categorically rejects this approach, insisting that no physical alteration on disputed land can override international legal principles.
Cambodia’s Legal And Diplomatic Response
Rather than escalating militarily, Cambodia has emphasized diplomatic channels.
The Royal Government has lodged formal protests through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation. Officials stress that all actions taken by Cambodia are grounded in international law.
The message is consistent and clear:
- Cambodia rejects illegal occupation.
- Cambodia rejects unilateral border changes.
- Cambodia rejects any modification imposed through force.
But here’s the bigger question: how far is Cambodia willing to go to defend its position?
The Prime Minister stated that the country remains determined to protect its sovereignty “by all available means in accordance with international law.”
That phrase leaves room for multiple interpretations — diplomatic, legal, and potentially strategic.
The Role Of The Board Of Peace
While in Washington, D.C., Hun Manet attended the inaugural meeting of the Board of Peace, a newly established international platform aimed at promoting dialogue and conflict resolution.
Cambodia hopes this mechanism can help ease tensions and prevent further escalation.
Why does that matter?
Because international visibility changes the equation.
When border disputes remain regional, power dynamics can dominate. When they enter international forums, legal principles and global scrutiny come into play.
Cambodia appears to be positioning itself as the party seeking multilateral engagement — not confrontation.
Why This Border Dispute Matters Beyond Cambodia And Thailand
At first glance, this might seem like a bilateral issue. But in Southeast Asia, territorial disputes rarely exist in isolation.
The region has seen ongoing tensions over:
- Maritime boundaries
- Land demarcation
- Historical claims
- Resource control
When one border dispute escalates, it sends signals across the region.
Investors watch closely. So do ASEAN partners. So do major global powers with strategic interests in Southeast Asia.
Border instability can impact:
- Trade routes
- Infrastructure projects
- Foreign direct investment
- Tourism flows
In a region positioning itself as a global economic hub, stability is currency.
Sovereignty, National Identity, And Political Resolve
Territorial integrity is not just a legal matter — it’s emotional.
For Cambodia, defending borders ties directly into national identity, historical memory, and political legitimacy. Any perception of territorial concession can carry domestic political consequences.
That’s why the Prime Minister’s language is firm.
Cambodia will “never recognize” forced changes.
Never is a strong word in diplomacy. It signals red lines.
What Happens Next?
Here’s where things become uncertain.
Will Thailand agree to resume Joint Boundary Commission talks?
Will the ceasefire hold under mounting diplomatic pressure?
Will international mediators step in again?
Several scenarios are possible:
- Diplomatic De-escalation – JBC resumes work, tensions gradually ease.
- Prolonged Standoff – No active fighting, but continued ground-level disputes.
- Escalation Triggered By Incident – A small clash reignites broader confrontation.
Right now, Cambodia is clearly emphasizing legal frameworks over force.
But history shows that border disputes can simmer for years before boiling over.
Cambodia’s Strategic Positioning On The Global Stage
By raising the issue during a U.S. visit and engaging international media, Cambodia is sending a calculated message: this dispute is not hidden.
Transparency can be strategic.
When a country frames itself as defending international law, it strengthens its diplomatic leverage. It also shapes the narrative before competing interpretations take root.
In modern geopolitics, controlling the narrative is often as important as controlling territory.
Final Thoughts: A Line That Cannot Be Crossed
Borders are more than lines on a map. They define sovereignty, identity, and the limits of national authority.
Cambodia’s stance is uncompromising: no border change through force. No recognition of illegal occupation. No acceptance of unilateral facts created on the ground.
Whether this dispute moves toward resolution or deeper confrontation will depend on diplomacy, restraint, and political will on both sides.
For now, one thing is clear — Cambodia has made its position unmistakable.
And in geopolitics, clarity is power.
FAQ
Cambodia claims Thai forces are occupying disputed territory beyond recognized boundary lines, violating international law and existing peace agreements.
Tensions escalated after two military incursions in 2025, followed by continued alleged territorial violations despite a ceasefire agreement.
Cambodia has stated it will never recognize any modification of its borders imposed through force or illegal occupation.
The Joint Boundary Commission is a bilateral mechanism between Cambodia and Thailand designed to peacefully resolve border demarcation disputes.
Yes. A ceasefire took effect on December 27, 2025, ending active clashes, though Cambodia describes the situation as fragile.
Border tensions could impact regional stability, investor confidence, trade routes, and ASEAN diplomatic relations.
Cambodia has lodged formal protests through its Ministry of Foreign Affairs and is seeking international engagement to ease tensions.