Cambodia and Thailand have clashed at the United Nations General Assembly over their ongoing border dispute, with both nations urging the other to rebuild trust and comply with international agreements. Cambodian Foreign Affairs Minister Prak Sokhonn called on Thailand to honor existing bilateral agreements, resume border survey and demarcation work, and allow displaced civilians to return to their homes.
Sokhonn highlighted that recent tensions have adversely affected civilians and cultural heritage, stressing that rebuilding trust would require both countries to adhere to previous commitments and respect international law. He also emphasized Cambodia’s commitment to resolving its maritime dispute with Thailand through international law, following Cambodia’s initiation of compulsory conciliation proceedings under the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea after Thailand ended a key 2001 Memorandum of Understanding.
Thailand, represented by 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 underscored the importance of cooperation on border security, demining, and combating online scam networks.
Despite avoiding renewed armed clashes since a ceasefire ended a 21-day confrontation last year, Cambodia and Thailand continue to experience diplomatic tensions over border and related issues. Both sides at the UN emphasized the need for cooperation and peaceful dispute resolution, with Cambodia advocating for dispute resolution through existing agreements and international law, while Thailand stressed bilateral dialogue.
The ongoing disagreement underscores the necessity for continued diplomatic engagement between the two countries to address their outstanding differences. Both nations also recognized the importance of stronger international cooperation in resolving disputes peacefully.