Hun Manet Urges Cambodians to Turn Border Pain Into Strength

Hun Manet Urges Cambodians to Turn Border Pain Into Strength

Phnom Penh, Feb. 10, 2026 — Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet on Tuesday urged citizens not to allow the pain caused by territorial tensions with Thailand to weaken the nation, calling instead for unity and resilience.

“The border dispute is painful,” Hun Manet said. “But we cannot allow that pain to make us fall. We must turn pain into strength. No one can strengthen Cambodia except Cambodians themselves.”

Hun Manet made the remarks while meeting top-performing high school and technical students at the Chroy Changvar International Convention and Exhibition Centre in Phnom Penh.

Acknowledging that Cambodians may feel wounded physically and emotionally amid uncertainty along the border, Hun Manet said the country must grow stronger in difficult times to move the nation forward.

He called on students at all levels to strengthen their skills through education, saying national strength depends on the strength of its people. He also urged government ministries, institutions and local authorities to remain active, efficient and focused on serving the public, despite fear or discouragement caused by the situation.

Hun Manet reiterated that the government remains committed to resolving border issues peacefully and in accordance with international law, acknowledging that progress may be slow but insisting it was the only path to a lasting solution.

He said Cambodia would continue to defend its sovereignty and territorial integrity through legal means, expressing hope that areas once affected by conflict would return to development and cooperation in the future.