Cambodian Deputy Prime Minister Prak Sokhonn addressed the United Nations General Assembly on September 27, 2026, demanding concrete commitments from Thailand to de-escalate ongoing border tensions and resolve compliance issues tied to past ceasefires.
Border Disputes and Ceasefire Compliance at the UN
Speaking at the 81st session of the General Assembly in New York, Sokhonn criticized Thailand for an alleged lack of compliance with bilateral border agreements and ceasefires established throughout last year. He emphasized that rebuilding trust between the neighboring nations requires adherence to established diplomatic mechanisms following open conflict last year.
“Rebuilding trust is therefore not merely desirable; it is essential to the future of our bilateral relations and to our shared interest in lasting peace and good-neighbourly relations,” Sokhonn stated during his address. “For Cambodia, restoring trust must be grounded in concrete commitments.”
The Cambodian government is pressing for the full and effective implementation of several key pacts, including the Kuala Lumpur Joint Declaration from October 2025 and the Fuxian Consensus and Joint Declaration from late December 2025. Sokhonn also called for the restoration of survey and boundary demarcation under the Joint Boundary Commission and the return of more than 20,000 internally displaced Cambodians in border provinces.
Maritime Boundaries and Territorial Concerns
Tensions between Phnom Penh and Bangkok deepened after Thailand withdrew from a memorandum of understanding concerning disputed maritime territories this year. That withdrawal triggered the reconciliation process under the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea.
Sokhonn pointed to ongoing land demarcation and construction activities near the border by Thailand as a persistent obstacle to peace. He argued that halting activities in occupied territories that create a fait accompli would signal genuine goodwill and respect for international law.
Did you know? Cambodia lodged several complaints against Thailand during the year regarding construction and land demarcation activities near the border before bringing the diplomatic dispute to the UN General Assembly under the theme of “restoring trust.”
Anti-Scam Initiatives and International Cooperation
Beyond bilateral security concerns, Sokhonn highlighted Cambodia’s active measures to combat transnational online scams. He referenced a specialized conference hosted in Phnom Penh on September 23-24, which received support from the UN Office on Drugs and Crime and Interpol.
Looking ahead to regional diplomacy, Sokhonn promoted the upcoming Francophonie Summit scheduled for Phnom Penh on November 15-16. Delivering his closing remarks in French, he reaffirmed Cambodia’s dedication to global peace and its ongoing deployment of “blue helmet” peacekeepers to the UN.
Frequently Asked Questions
What did Cambodia ask of Thailand at the UN General Assembly?
Deputy Prime Minister Prak Sokhonn asked for concrete commitments to de-escalation, full compliance with the October 2025 Kuala Lumpur Joint Declaration and December 2025 Fuxian Consensus, and the restoration of boundary demarcation.
How many displaced persons are affected by the border conflict?
More than 20,000 internally displaced Cambodians in border provinces are waiting to return to their homes, according to statements made by Sokhonn at the UN.
What international summits did Cambodia highlight during the address?
Sokhonn noted a recent anti-scam conference held in Phnom Penh with Interpol and the UN Office on Drugs and Crime, and previewed the upcoming Francophonie Summit slated for November.
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