Senate Spokesperson Rejects Thai Senate President's Statement, Defends Cambodia's Sovereignty

PHNOM PENH, August 31, 2026 – The Spokesperson of the Senate of the Kingdom of Cambodia has issued a formal statement responding to remarks made by the President of the Senate of Thailand, expressing regret over the Thai official's reaction to Samdech Techo Hun Sen's address at the 2nd Inter-Parliamentary Speakers' Conference (ISC-2) on August 27.

The statement defends Samdech Techo Hun Sen's remarks as a factual account of Thailand's aggression against Cambodia's territorial integrity and emphasises their strategic importance in upholding national sovereignty, international law, and the peaceful settlement of disputes.

Key Points from the Statement:

Online Scams and the Use of Force: The reference to "online scams" illustrates how Thailand has invoked the fight against transnational crime as a justification for the use of force, aggression against, and occupation of Cambodian territory. While combating transnational crime is both necessary and legitimate, such cooperation must never be used to circumvent the fundamental principles of sovereignty, territorial integrity, and the prohibition of the use of force. The concept of "modern warfare" reminds us that coercion in the contemporary era can take diverse and interconnected forms.

Civilian Structures and International Humanitarian Law: Attacks on civilian structures must be assessed under international humanitarian law. If sites alleged to be military targets were, in fact, civilian in nature, they are protected under the fundamental principle of distinction between civilian objects and military objectives. Any legal assessment should be based on independently verifiable facts.

Warning Against "Salami-Slicing Strategy": The most strategically significant point is the warning against the "salami-slicing strategy"—a tactic of successive and incremental changes to the situation on the ground that may subsequently be used as a basis to support territorial claims. This clearly reflects Thailand's undeniable attempt to create a fait accompli on Cambodian territory.

Unilateral Assertions Rejected: Thailand's claims that Cambodia "fired first," that Thailand acted in self-defense, that it has strictly complied with the Joint Statement, and that Cambodia is attempting to "portray itself as a victim" are unilateral assertions. They are no different from propaganda aimed at distorting the truth and misleading public opinion. One party cannot act as the claimant and, at the same time, as the judge of its own claims.

Ceasefire Cannot Create Sovereignty: Cambodia cannot accept any interpretation of the Joint Statement that would transform a ceasefire arrangement into recognition of sovereignty over territory, or into recognition of any rights arising from military presence or control over Cambodia's sovereign territory. A ceasefire cannot be invoked as a justification for creating new rights over territory, legalizing unlawful occupation, or consolidating a fait accompli. Sovereignty and boundary delimitation must be resolved in accordance with applicable treaties, international law, and peaceful dispute-settlement mechanisms.

International Attention Is a Consequence, Not a Cause: Cambodia has no intention of turning a bilateral dispute into an international issue. If Thailand genuinely wishes to avoid further international attention, the most effective course is to address the underlying causes—withdraw its forces from Cambodian territory, cease all activities that alter the situation on the ground, and allow displaced Cambodian civilians to return safely and with dignity.

International Attention Follows Realities on the Ground: The attention of the international community is not the cause of the problem, but rather a consequence of the realities on the ground. The surest way to prevent this issue from continuing to concern the international community is to restore respect for Cambodia's sovereignty and territorial integrity, fully comply with international law, and resolve all outstanding issues peacefully through existing mechanisms.

Peaceful Mechanisms Are Not Confrontational: The responsible use of regional and international mechanisms should not be regarded as confrontational. Peaceful legal and diplomatic procedures are established precisely to enable states to clarify their positions, prevent escalation, reduce misunderstandings, and resolve disputes in an orderly manner. International law remains an essential safeguard against coercion, uncertainty, and the abuse of power.

Mutual Trust and Reciprocal Action Required: Cambodia agrees that mutual trust, restraint, sincerity, and integrity are essential to peaceful relations. However, confidence-building must be reciprocal and demonstrated through consistent conduct, not merely through words. Calls for dialogue cannot be credible when actions on the ground increase tensions and undermine confidence. Respect for international law and the peaceful settlement of disputes remain indispensable to lasting peace and stability.

The statement was issued on August 30, 2026, in Phnom Penh.

— Source: Senate of the Kingdom of Cambodia

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Reported by The Khmer Today