Phnom Penh Rejects Thai Media Report on Border Negotiation after New Year

Pen Bona, Royal Government of Cambodia's Spokesperson

PHNOM PENH, March 10, 2026 — Cambodia on Tuesday rejected a report by Thai media claiming that Prime Minister Hun Manet had suggested border negotiations to reclaim territory could take place only after the upcoming New Year celebrations.

The spokesperson for the Cambodian government said the report misquoted remarks attributed to Thai Foreign Minister Sihasak Phuangketkeow, who was cited as saying Hun Manet had posted on social media that negotiations through the Cambodia–Thailand Joint Boundary Commission (JBC) might be held after the Khmer New Year or the “Nokor Sangkran” festival.

The spokesperson said the Cambodian prime minister had never made such remarks or posted any message on social media indicating that border negotiations would be delayed until after the New Year.

“The Royal Government’s position remains clear,” the spokesperson said, adding that Cambodia is committed to implementing the Dec. 27, 2025 joint statement and other existing agreements aimed at maintaining peace and resolving border issues with Thailand.

He said the government supports swift action by the Joint Boundary Commission to address border issues and ensure long-term stability along the frontier between the two countries.

According to the statement, since the second ceasefire between Cambodian and Thai forces took effect at noon on Dec. 27, 2025, Cambodia’s border affairs secretariat, representing the JBC, has submitted five requests to the Thai side asking for joint survey teams to conduct field work along the border.

Cambodia reiterated that it seeks to resolve border issues through peaceful mechanisms and cooperation under existing bilateral frameworks.