Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet has accused Thailand of occupying Cambodian territory following clashes last year, despite a ceasefire brokered U.S. President Donald Trump in December. Speaking during a visit to Washington, Hun Manet described the situation along the disputed border as fragile and called for renewed efforts to demarcate the boundary.
In an interview during his trip to the United States, where he attended a meeting of Trump’s Board of Peace, Hun Manet said Thai forces remain positioned inside areas Cambodia considers its sovereign territory. He urged Bangkok to allow a joint boundary commission to resume work in order to clarify and formalise the border.
The ceasefire agreement reached in December halted renewed fighting between the two Southeast Asian neighbours, but tensions have persisted. Cambodia maintains that Thai troops have not fully withdrawn from contested zones, while Thailand says it is adhering to the terms of the joint statement and maintaining existing deployments without reinforcement.
Thailand’s Defence Ministry has denied accusations of occupation. A spokesperson said Thai forces are stationed in line with de escalation arrangements and that there has been no expansion of troop presence. Bangkok insists it is complying with the ceasefire framework agreed both sides.
The border dispute between Cambodia and Thailand has long centred on contested land near historic temple sites and stretches of poorly demarcated frontier. Although previous agreements and rulings have addressed parts of the dispute, unresolved sections continue to generate periodic tensions.
Hun Manet, who assumed office in 2023 following the long rule of his father Hun Sen, said Cambodia is committed to peaceful dialogue but wants concrete progress. He described the December ceasefire as an important step but warned that without clear demarcation and implementation mechanisms, misunderstandings could reignite instability.
The Cambodian leader expressed hope that Trump’s newly formed Board of Peace could help support de escalation efforts. Originally established to oversee diplomatic initiatives elsewhere, the body has been presented the former U.S. president as a platform that could take on broader mediation roles in international disputes.
Beyond the border issue, Hun Manet also highlighted improving ties between Cambodia and the United States. He said his government is taking steps to address concerns over cyber scam operations that have drawn international criticism in recent years.
The territorial dispute remains sensitive for both governments, with domestic political implications in Phnom Penh and Bangkok. While the ceasefire has prevented further clashes since December, diplomatic exchanges suggest that trust remains limited.
Analysts note that sustained engagement through bilateral mechanisms, including a joint boundary commission, may be necessary to prevent renewed confrontation. As both sides maintain their respective narratives, the stability of the border region will depend on whether the ceasefire evolves into a structured and mutually accepted settlement.
