(Banteay Meanchey): Samdech Techo Hun Sen, Acting Head of State of Cambodia, asked displaced families whether the Cambodia–Thailand border issue should be resolved peacefully or through military force, with participants unanimously expressing support for a peaceful solution.

He spoke on Tuesday (Jun. 9) during his meeting with 3,318 displaced families at the Sla Kram Temporary Settlement in Svay Chek district, Banteay Meanchey province.

“There are only two choices,” he stated. “Using force to reclaim the land, or resolving the issue peacefully.”

He noted that some extremist groups abroad have been calling for military action, prompting him to ask displaced residents whether they preferred peace or a return to armed conflict. According to Samdech Techo, the participants unanimously rejected war and voiced support for peaceful negotiations.

He added that decisions involving border conflicts must be carefully considered and not driven by extremist demands from overseas.

Samdech Techo also explained why Cambodia continues to pursue a peaceful approach, citing the key provisions of the Cambodia–Thailand agreement signed on 27 December 2025. The agreement includes an immediate ceasefire, a freeze on troop movements, and the resumption of border demarcation work through the Joint Boundary Commission (JBC) mechanism.

He added, however, that Thailand has repeatedly delayed implementation of the JBC process and questioned how long such delays should continue.

Despite ongoing tensions, Samdech Techo reaffirmed Cambodia’s commitment to resolving the border issue through peaceful means rather than military confrontation.
=FRESH NEWS