Cambodian Prime Minister’s Interview with International Newspaper Is a Message to the World to Help Bear Witness to the Thai Military’s Aggression
PHNOM PENH, Cambodia — Prime Minister Hun Manet has used recent interviews with international media outlets, including Reuters and Fox News, to highlight Cambodia’s position on ongoing border tensions with Thailand and reaffirm the country’s commitment to resolving the dispute through peaceful and diplomatic means.
In the interviews, Mr. Hun Manet underscored what Cambodian authorities describe as continued violations of sovereignty and territorial integrity following a ceasefire agreement between the two countries. He emphasized that Cambodia remains committed to international law and dialogue as the primary mechanisms for resolving the issue.
“We have a ceasefire agreement between the two armies in effect, but the Thai army continues its activities,” the Prime Minister said in response to a question from Fox News regarding Cambodia’s potential response if military actions persist. He alleged that deployments and infrastructure installations have taken place in areas Cambodia considers to be within its territory.
According to Mr. Hun Manet, such actions have prevented some Cambodian families from returning to their homes, despite provisions in joint understandings aimed at ensuring civilian safety and resettlement.
“Our position has always been to pursue peaceful solutions and peaceful dialogue,” he said, adding that military escalation is neither sustainable nor practical in resolving long-standing territorial disputes.
Political analysts say the Prime Minister’s engagement with major Western media organizations reflects a broader diplomatic effort to bring international attention to Cambodia’s perspective on the dispute.
Dr. Kin Phea, a political science and international relations expert, described the interviews as part of Cambodia’s diplomatic outreach strategy. He noted that while many countries characterize the situation as a border clash or armed confrontation, no formal condemnation has been issued against Thailand.
Similarly, geopolitical analyst Thong Mengdavid said Cambodia is seeking broader international recognition of its claims and encouraging the global community to view the situation through the lens of sovereignty and international legal principles.
Mr. Hun Manet also referenced the role of international facilitators in securing the ceasefire agreement, including former U.S. President Donald Trump and Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, who serves as ASEAN Chair. He said their involvement helped establish conditions aimed at maintaining stability and preventing further escalation.
The Prime Minister reiterated that the dispute remains fundamentally territorial in nature and affirmed Cambodia’s preference for resolving differences through diplomatic negotiations and internationally recognized legal frameworks.
