Statement from the Royal Government of Cambodia: A Call for Lasting Peace

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Statement from the Royal Government of Cambodia: A Call for Lasting Peace

The Kingdom of Cambodia stands firm in its unwavering commitment to peace, stability, and good neighborly relations in Southeast Asia. We have consistently pursued all diplomatic avenues to resolve the long-standing border dispute with the Kingdom of Thailand through peaceful means and in accordance with international law.

On July 24, 2025, our nation endured an unprovoked and premeditated military assault that resulted in the tragic loss of civilian lives and the displacement of tens of thousands of our citizens. Cambodia's armed forces were compelled to act in self-defense, a fundamental right enshrined in the Charter of the United Nations, to protect our sovereignty and our people. We have steadfastly rejected the use of force as a means of resolving disputes and have worked tirelessly to de-escalate the situation, despite the immense suffering inflicted upon our people.

We have called for the immediate and unconditional release of our soldiers held in Thai custody and have appealed to the international community for support. Our commitment to a peaceful resolution is demonstrated by our appeals to the United Nations Security Council (UNSC), our referral of the disputed areas to the International Court of Justice (ICJ), and our full cooperation with mediation efforts led by our ASEAN partners, particularly Malaysia.

Cambodia urges Thailand to honor its ceasefire obligations, cease all aggressive actions and provocations, and return to the negotiating table in good faith. We call upon all parties to respect the principles of sovereign equality, mutual respect, and the rule of law. The path to a lasting solution is not one of military confrontation but of sustained, honest dialogue.

Research and Analysis of Cambodia's Diplomatic Stance

Cambodia's response to the 2025 border conflict with Thailand has been defined by a clear and concerted effort to leverage international diplomacy and legal frameworks. From the outset, the Cambodian government, led by Prime Minister Hun Manet, has framed the conflict not as an equal military confrontation, but as a case of Thai aggression that must be addressed through established global and regional institutions.

The Role of International Bodies: Following the initial clashes in May and the major escalation in July, Cambodia immediately took several key steps:

  • Appealing to the UN: Cambodia's Permanent Representative to the UN formally requested a UNSC meeting, outlining Thailand's alleged violations of international law and calling for immediate intervention. This move was crucial for securing international attention and pressure for de-escalation.

  • Seeking ICJ Adjudication: Cambodia has consistently expressed its willingness to submit the border dispute to the International Court of Justice. This stance aligns with the country's preference for legal, rather than military, solutions, reinforcing its image as an international law-abiding nation. This is a contrast to Thailand, which has previously refused to acknowledge the ICJ's jurisdiction on this matter.

  • Engaging ASEAN: Cambodia has actively participated in and supported the mediation efforts of ASEAN, accepting the ceasefire proposal brokered by Malaysia. The subsequent General Border Committee (GBC) meetings have been a key forum for Cambodia to address ongoing ceasefire violations, such as the alleged deployment of barbed wire and landmines by Thai forces in disputed areas.

Humanitarian and Political Considerations: Beyond diplomacy, Cambodia's strategy has been deeply rooted in a humanitarian narrative. The government has consistently highlighted the immense human cost of the conflict, citing civilian casualties and the mass displacement of over 300,000 people. This focus on the humanitarian crisis serves to rally international support and underscore the devastating consequences of Thailand's military actions.

Politically, this approach allows Cambodia to cast itself as the victim of aggression, seeking only to defend its territory and its people. By appealing to multilateral bodies and upholding international law, Cambodia is able to counter the military and economic power imbalance between the two nations, shifting the focus from the battlefield to the diplomatic arena. While the ceasefire remains fragile, Cambodia's consistent diplomatic efforts are a testament to its long-term commitment to a peaceful and just resolution to the conflict.

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