AKP Phnom Penh, June 02, 2026 -- Cambodia's Ambassador to Japan H.E. Chum Sounry has sent a letter to the editor of Nikkei Asia seeking clarification on a recent article concerning the Cambodia-Thailand border situation, arguing that the report did not fully reflect Cambodia's position on the territorial issue.

In a letter dated June 1, addressed to the publication's editor in Tokyo, the Ambassador referred to the article titled "Thai-Cambodia Border Clash Fallout Hits Japan Auto Industry," published on May 29, 2026.

While acknowledging the article's analysis of the economic impact of the border situation on regional supply chains and Japanese businesses, Ambassador Chum Sounry said several aspects relating to the territorial dispute required clarification.

According to the Ambassador, the article referred to the disputed location as "Nong Chan" in Thailand's Sa Kaeo province and presented developments largely from the perspective of Thai authorities and military officials. He stressed that Cambodia identifies the area as Chouk Chey village, Malai district, Banteay Meanchey province, and considers it part of Cambodian territory where Cambodian communities have lived for decades.

The ambassador stated that referring to the area solely by its Thai designation, without acknowledging Cambodia's position, could present an incomplete account of the issue and inadvertently lend legitimacy to one side's territorial claim.

He also challenged the article's assertion that Thailand "now effectively controls the area," stressing that military presence or physical control does not determine sovereignty. Cambodia, he said, does not recognise territorial claims established through force, occupation, or unilateral actions.

The letter further noted that on May 30, 2026, the Royal Government of Cambodia formally protested what it described as Thailand's continued violations of Cambodia's sovereignty and territorial integrity through the occupation of Cambodian territory by Thai armed forces since Dec. 27, 2025.

According to H.E. Ambassador, the protest also addressed the construction of roads, permanent structures, Buddha statues, flagpoles and other installations in the disputed areas, which Cambodia considers inconsistent with the Joint Statement of the Third Special Meeting of the General Border Committee (GBC) of Dec. 27, 2025.

Ambassador Chum Sounry further raised concerns about the article's inclusion of allegations by Thai military personnel regarding landmines and the possibility of renewed fighting without presenting Cambodia's response or independent verification.

He emphasised that such claims should be clearly distinguished from verified facts and accompanied by the views of all parties concerned, given their potential impact on public perceptions.

The Ambassador reiterated Cambodia's longstanding position that border issues should be resolved peacefully and in accordance with international law, existing bilateral agreements and mechanisms, the United Nations Charter, the ASEAN Charter, and the Treaty of Amity and Cooperation in Southeast Asia.

He reaffirmed Cambodia's commitment to dialogue, peaceful dispute settlement, and good-neighbourly relations while safeguarding its sovereignty and territorial integrity.

The Ambassador concluded by expressing hope that the clarifications would contribute to a fuller and more accurate understanding of the issues involved.

By C. Nika