Analyst Says 1963 Passport Shows Long History of Cambodia-Thai Border Disputes

Analyst Says 1963 Passport Shows Long History of Cambodia-Thai Border Disputes

PHNOM PENH, June 22, 2026 – Cambodian political analyst Kin Phea said the current border dispute with Thailand should be viewed as part of a decades-long historical issue, citing a Cambodian passport issued in 1963 as evidence that disagreements between the two neighbours have persisted for generations.

In a Facebook post on Monday, Kin Phea said the 1963 passport, which he described as bearing markings related to Cambodia’s border with Thailand, illustrated that tensions over territorial issues were not a recent development but had existed for many years.

He argued that Cambodia should make greater use of historical documents and records to explain the background of the dispute to the international community and strengthen its legal and diplomatic position. According to Kin Phea, such historical evidence could help demonstrate the continuity of Cambodia’s claims and provide context for the current border situation.

The analyst also said Cambodia should continue documenting historical evidence and presenting it alongside legal and diplomatic efforts as the two countries seek to resolve outstanding border issues through peaceful means.

The remarks come as Cambodia and Thailand continue to pursue diplomatic and legal mechanisms to address unresolved land and maritime boundary disputes, while both sides have exchanged statements over their respective positions.