Cambodia has stepped up diplomatic efforts to defend the dignity of its leadership, protect citizens, and safeguard territorial integrity, according to Pen Bona, spokesman of the Royal Government of Cambodia, who addressed the public yesterday.
He said that yesterday, the government, through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, formally conveyed its position regarding actions taken by the Secretary-General of the Thai National Security Council. The issue concerns legal complaints filed in Thai courts against Cambodia’s Senate President Hun Sen and Prime Minister Hun Manet in connection with military operations along the Cambodia-Thailand border in 2025. Cambodia considers these complaints inconsistent with ongoing efforts to de-escalate tensions and contrary to the spirit of the Joint Declaration adopted at the 3rd Special Session of the General Border Committee on December 27, 2025.
Cambodia also underscored that domestic legal actions targeting senior leaders of a sovereign state for conduct carried out in the course of official duties, particularly those related to national defence, and territorial integrity, lack any basis under international law. Such actions, it said, are inconsistent with the principles of the ASEAN Charter and the Treaty of Amity and Cooperation in Southeast Asia. Cambodia, therefore, called on Thailand to take necessary steps to prevent developments that could jeopardise the ceasefire and enhance efforts to restore bilateral relations.
Bona further highlighted Cambodia’s engagement at the regional level. Yesterday, Prak Sokhonn, Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, attended the ASEAN Foreign Ministers Retreat in Cebu, Philippines. During the meeting, the ASEAN Chair for 2026, Philippines Foreign Affairs Secretary Tess Lazaro, outlined ASEAN’s priorities under the theme “Journey Toward a Shared Future” and said it was necessary to address both existing and emerging regional challenges.
Bona added that over the past six months, government ministries and institutions have issued nearly 700 press releases, protest notes, statements, petitions, and explanatory letters, alongside regular briefings and field visits for diplomats, international organisations, ASEAN observers, and media representatives. He said that these efforts demonstrate the Royal Government’s sustained commitment to protecting national dignity and territorial integrity.
Cambodia’s position on the Cambodia-Thailand border is based on the Indochina-Siamese Border Commission and established principles of international law, and Cambodia does not accept any border demarcation arising from the use of force.
