Phnom Penh, November 21, 2024 - During the opening ceremony of the 32nd National Assembly of Buddhist Monks 2024, Samdech Techo Hun Sen, President of the Senate and the highest representative of His Majesty King Norodom Sihamoni, discussed the ongoing negotiations between the Royal Governments of Cambodia and Thailand regarding the Koh Kut issue.
In his address, Samdech Techo Hun Sen described the incitements from opposition groups that are aimed at provoking unrest among the Cambodian populace in relation to the territorial disputes with Thailand. He urged citizens to be vigilant against these provocations and called for calm as the Royal Government continues to pursue a peaceful resolution through dialogue.
The discussions concerning the Koh Kut issue remain unresolved, and there are no current plans to escalate the situation to the International Court of Justice. Samdech Techo Hun Sen urged the army not to mobilize in relation to the situation in the Koh Kut area.
At a separate graduation ceremony for students at the Royal University of Phnom Penh, Prime Minister Hun Manet echoed these sentiments. He reaffirmed the government's commitment to safeguarding Cambodia's territorial integrity and rejected claims of territorial encroachment. He stressed that border issues should be resolved through formal channels rather than social media.
Prime Minister Hun Manet articulated a message of restraint and maturity, urging all parties to avoid actions that could escalate tensions. He underscored the importance of adhering to the principle of not "bringing fire into the house," which underscores the necessity of fostering peace rather than provoking conflict. He asserted that disputes, particularly those regarding territorial matters like the Koh Kut issue with Thailand, should be approached through established diplomatic avenues.
Hun Manet affirmed the seriousness of the territorial matter, indicating that as long as negotiations continue without a definitive agreement, the status of Koh Kut remains intact and secure.
