Cambodia–Thailand Border Demarcation: A Historic Mission to Safeguard Territorial Integrity and Prevent Future Conflict

Cambodia–Thailand Border Demarcation: A Historic Mission to Safeguard Territorial Integrity and Prevent Future Conflict

The border issue between Cambodia and Thailand is closely tied to history, politics, and international law. The ongoing joint land surveying and temporary border demarcation with Thailand has been carried out by the Royal Government of Cambodia with the utmost care, responsibility, and adherence to officially recognized international maps and documents. Although the government has repeatedly reaffirmed its firm position on protecting Cambodia’s territorial integrity, and despite the continuous efforts of the joint Cambodia–Thailand border committees, a small group of politically extreme individuals continues to exploit this issue to harshly criticize, incite, and sow public distrust toward the government and the national border committee, thereby causing confusion in society.

This border surveying and demarcation work is a highly significant historical mission, carried out with technical precision and long-term importance for all Cambodian citizens, both now and in the future. The Cambodian border committee has been working consistently for nearly two decades, aiming to establish an accurate border based on historical maps, ensuring the full protection of Cambodia’s internationally recognized territory and safeguarding the nation’s natural ownership over its land. Most importantly, this effort reduces and prevents future border conflicts. The technical methods used include international-standard surveying tools, on-site verification at all marked locations, the signing of joint documents, and close cooperation with Thailand under the principle of respecting each country’s territorial sovereignty. Cambodia has consistently adhered to the non-modifiable border line indicated in the Indochina–Siam maps recognized by the international community more than 120 years ago.

Some criticisms from radical opposition groups have no factual basis. These groups, who have contributed nothing to the border cause aside from constant criticism, act as though they possess superior knowledge. In reality, they lack expertise in border affairs. Individuals such as Um Sam An rely only on shallow theories and self-proclaimed expertise while having no genuine competence in border issues. His true expertise lies in fabricating false information, inciting unrest, creating social instability, and twisting facts regarding border matters. On multiple occasions, Um Sam An—who previously apologized to Samdech Hun Sen after making distortions about the border—has sought leniency, yet continues to attack the government, relying mostly on information from Thai sources.

Such actions resemble that of a loyal servant to Thailand—Cambodia’s historical adversary with ambitions over Cambodian territory—while attacking the Cambodian government and displaying a lack of national conscience. Um Sam An has no real knowledge about border issues. His criticisms and attacks, along with those made by certain individuals abroad, are purely political rhetoric stemming from extremist nationalist sentiments. They come from someone who was imprisoned in 2016 for incitement and spreading falsehoods related to the border.

This shows clearly that these are repeated mistakes made by this individual, who continues to accuse the government of using border demarcation merely to test public sentiment and claims that Cambodia is using Thai surveying equipment, thereby causing territorial loss.

However, these allegations lack technical or legal evidence and reflect the ignorance of someone without professional experience in border surveying or demarcation. His statements are made solely to attract attention and serve his own political agenda.

It is important to note that the government and border committee have worked with transparency and responsibility, firmly upholding the principle that no action shall ever result in territorial loss. Every step of the process is documented and regularly explained to the public. Ongoing work with Thailand is based on mutual respect, good relations, and peace. Cambodian border specialists are properly trained and operate according to professional standards, always prioritizing national sovereignty.

Respecting territorial integrity is a principle that cannot be fabricated or disputed. Border demarcation is not an exchange of territory for peace, nor a political tool to test public reaction. It is a genuine effort to build clear border lines to strengthen peace and security in accordance with the national Constitution.

If the border is not clearly demarcated, the country will inevitably face potential military conflict in the future and risk losing territory along the entire frontier. Therefore, the current temporary border surveying and demarcation is an invaluable historic mission of deep national importance.

Cambodia’s border demarcation with Thailand is carried out with strong commitment, in accordance with international law and for the protection of national interests. Baseless criticisms and the spread of false information must be condemned and addressed through legal means to safeguard social stability and lasting peace. The Royal Government and the national border committee affirm that peace, sovereignty, and territorial integrity are sacred values that can never be exchanged—under any circumstance or at any price.

By: Pin Vichey – Political Science Scholar