Cambodia Rejects Thai Interpretation of Ceasefire as Basis for Territorial Control

PHNOM PENH, September 1, 2026 – Information Minister Neth Pheaktra has firmly rejected Thailand's interpretation of the December 27, 2025 Joint Statement, clarifying that the ceasefire agreement cannot be used to justify Thai military presence on Cambodian territory.

The Minister's statement responded to remarks by Lieutenant General Prapas Sonjaidee, Director of Thailand's Joint Information Centre, who suggested that troops should remain in positions agreed upon under the Joint Statement. Neth Pheaktra emphasized that such an interpretation fundamentally distorts the purpose of the agreement.

"The Joint Statement of 27 December 2025 is not a boundary treaty," the Minister stated. "It cannot be construed as having the legal effect of superseding the 1:200,000 map series and Franco-Siamese treaties that form the legal and historical framework for the Cambodia-Thailand boundary."

Neth Pheaktra stressed that Thailand cannot invoke the ceasefire to legitimize activities such as deploying shipping containers, constructing bunkers, or demolishing civilian homes on Cambodian territory. He called for the full implementation of the Joint Statement, including the acceleration of JBC meetings and technical discussions to resolve outstanding demarcation issues.

"A ceasefire stops the shooting. It does not draw a new map," the Minister concluded, urging Thailand to demonstrate genuine commitment to peace through concrete actions on the ground.

— Source: Ministry of Information

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Reported by The Khmer Today