Recent tensions and conflicts have severely undermined trust between Cambodia and Thailand. Beyond straining relations, the conflict has left deep and lasting scars, including damage to cultural heritage and the persistent threat of unexploded ordnance. For Cambodia, restoring trust must be grounded in concrete commitments. It is essential that all agreements—including the Kuala Lumpur Joint Statement, the Fuxian Consensus, and notably the Joint Declaration of December 27, 2025—be implemented effectively and in good faith. These agreements entail a commitment by both parties to renounce the threat or use of force, respect international border demarcations, and adopt practical measures to de-escalate tensions, rebuild trust, and normalize bilateral relations. Among these measures, the immediate resumption of border demarcation and survey work by the Joint Boundary Commission would significantly contribute to resolving outstanding border-related claims and establishing a clear border line mutually recognized by both parties, in accordance with international law and existing treaties and agreements between the two countries. Of equal importance—and with direct humanitarian implications—is the inability of more than 20,000 Cambodian citizens to return to their homes due to continued occupation and obstruction by Thai military forces. As the United Nations Special Rapporteur noted during a visit to the border area last July, "They need and deserve to be allowed to return to their homes." This is the statement by H.E. Deputy Prime Minister Prak Sokhonn, Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation of the Kingdom of Cambodia, delivered at the 81st Session of the United Nations General Assembly under the theme "Rebuilding Trust and Managing Transformations: A United Nations that Delivers Results for All," on September 26, 2026.
The National Television of Cambodia (TVK) will soon broadcast the full speech by H.E. the Deputy Prime Minister, featuring Khmer subtitles.
Source: H.E. Neth Pheaktra
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