Phnom penh: The Royal Government of Cambodia on Friday highlighted what it described as intensified diplomatic efforts at home and abroad to safeguard national interests, particularly territorial integrity and the protection of civilians, while seeking a peaceful resolution to tensions along the Thai border.
According to Agence Kampuchea Presse, Royal Government Spokesperson H.E. Pen Bona stated that Prime Minister Samdech Moha Borvor Thipadei Hun Manet had returned to the country on February 26 after a diplomatic mission to the United States and Europe. This trip marked the Royal Government's active international engagement to promote national interests and defend Cambodia's sovereignty and territorial integrity. Cambodia remains committed to addressing disputes through peaceful means and in accordance with international law.
Domestically, diplomatic initiatives and formal protests have continued. On February 27, the Ministry of Culture and Fine Arts rejected remarks by Thai Foreign Minister Sihasak Phuangketkeow, who alleged that Cambodia had used Preah Vihear Temple as a military base. The ministry clarified that the temple is a cultural and religious site of universal value and has never been used for military purposes, highlighting significant damage to the World Heritage-listed site from Thai military attacks.
On February 26, Cambodia's Coordinating Group facilitated a visit by the ASEAN Observer Team (AOT) to inspect conditions at the Preah Vihear Temple area and An Seh village in Preah Vihear province. Observers also examined civilian infrastructure, including homes damaged during Thai military attacks in December 2025. Cambodia reiterated its full support for the ASEAN observer mission, emphasizing the importance of strengthening its mandate to ensure effective ceasefire implementation.
Earlier, on February 23, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation led foreign diplomats and international organization representatives on a field visit to locations in Banteay Meanchey province. Cambodian authorities claim Thai forces had entered these areas, deploying containers and barbed wire barricades that prevented displaced residents from returning home.
The spokesman noted that visits by diplomats, international representatives, and ASEAN observers, along with diplomatic outreach by Cambodian missions overseas and Samdech Thipadei Hun Manet's recent foreign trip, demonstrated sustained efforts by Phnom Penh to defend sovereignty and protect civilians. Cambodia's diplomatic campaign has helped the international community better understand what Cambodia describes as illegal occupation of its territory by Thai forces, and its position for a peaceful settlement based on international law.
International partners have expressed support for the ceasefire and peaceful dialogue, urging both Cambodia and Thailand to fully implement their commitments in good faith. Cambodia reaffirmed its position that its international border with Thailand must be respected in accordance with existing treaties, maps, and demarcation records from the Franco-Siamese period and subsequent bilateral agreements. Cambodia does not recognize any attempt to alter the border through force.