(Phnom Penh): Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet invited Um Sam Ann and his team to present evidence supporting their allegations of territorial losses along the Cambodia–Thailand border, offering direct discussions with government border experts, guaranteed personal safety and travel assistance.
Samdech Thipadei Hun Manet issued the invitation in response to Um Sam Ann’s repeated allegations that temporary boundary markers installed by technical teams of the Cambodia–Thailand Joint Boundary Commission (JBC), particularly between markers 52 and 59, encroach on Cambodian territory.
Um Sam Ann has also accused the Royal Government of ceding Cambodian land to Thailand in exchange for peace and political power.
The premier rejected the allegations as lacking a clear factual basis, describing them as serious accusations against both the Royal Government and Cambodian border experts who have spent decades working to safeguard the country’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.
To demonstrate transparency and accountability, Samdech Thipadei outlined five arrangements for the proposed discussions:
1. Direct discussions with border experts: Um Sam Ann and his team are invited to bring all relevant documents and evidence concerning boundary markers 52 to 59 for direct discussions with experts from Cambodia’s State Secretariat of Border Affairs.
2. Participation of independent observers: Journalists, political party representatives, civil society organisations, students, intellectuals and members of the public would be allowed to observe the discussions, subject to restrictions on sensitive information while border negotiations remain ongoing.
3. Personal safety guarantee: The prime minister pledged to guarantee the safety of Um Sam Ann and his team throughout their stay in Cambodia until their departure.
4. Airfare assistance: Samdech Thipadei offered to cover Um Sam Ann’s airfare to Cambodia if he lacks the financial means.
5. Free transportation and accommodation: The premier also offered to arrange transportation and accommodation throughout the visit if needed.
Samdech Thipadei underlined that the invitation was not intended as a personal confrontation but as an opportunity to examine the allegations through evidence-based discussions and demonstrate accountability to the Cambodian public.
He maintained that the Royal Government has nothing to conceal and that its technical experts are prepared to engage in direct and frank exchanges.
“I sincerely hope that Um Sam Ann and his team will not be afraid to accept my invitation to engage in discussions with the Royal Government’s technical border experts, whom he has accused of secretly ceding Cambodian territory to Thailand between boundary markers 52 and 59,” the premier wrote on his social media on Saturday (Oct. 10).
He added that the discussions would take place in the presence of journalists, political party representatives, civil society organisations, students, intellectuals and members of the public.
“The Cambodian people and I have seen that he frequently raises border issues wherever he goes. Therefore, he should not be afraid to come and discuss the Cambodia–Thailand border issue between boundary markers 52 and 59 as a concrete example to demonstrate his expertise, accuracy and accountability to the public,” Samdech Thipadei said.
“I hope he will not find further excuses to avoid accepting this invitation.”
Addressing potential safety concerns, the prime minister reiterated his personal guarantee for Um Sam Ann and his team.
“As the country’s top leader, I have no reason to undermine the people’s political trust in me by making false statements or publicly issuing guarantees that I cannot honour, particularly in relation to a politician such as Um Sam Ann,” he said.
“Therefore, concerns about the safety of Um Sam Ann and his team should not prevent them from accepting my invitation.”
Samdech Thipadei explained that Cambodia was chosen as the venue to allow citizens to observe the discussions firsthand. He added that on-site verification of the disputed locations could also be arranged if necessary.
The premier concluded by describing the invitation as a “golden opportunity” for Um Sam Ann to substantiate his claims and demonstrate his expertise and accountability.
He contrasted that opportunity with Um Sam Ann’s previous imprisonment over border-related information, reiterating his position that serious territorial allegations must be supported by credible evidence rather than unsubstantiated claims.
=FRESH NEWS
