Samdech Akka Moha Sena Padei Techo Hun Manet, Prime Minister of Cambodia, utilized social media on September 9 to issue crucial clarifications regarding the Royal Government’s ongoing efforts to resolve the Cambodia-Thailand border dispute. His intervention came in direct response to widespread discussions and speculations circulating across various social media platforms, which had unfortunately led to public confusion and, in some instances, exploitation for political gain. The Prime Minister’s objective was to dispel existing doubts and provide a clear, authoritative perspective on the government’s operational methods and strategic approach to these sensitive issues.
Addressing the public query, “Why has the Royal Government been so quiet?”, Samdech Hun Manet explained that not all activities undertaken by the Prime Minister or other vital national figures are necessarily communicated through constant television appearances or daily social media updates. He emphasized that during periods characterized by rapid changes and inherent uncertainties, ensuring the consistency and integrity of information is of paramount importance. This considered approach is critical to prevent public anxiety and to ensure that citizens receive accurate, coherent updates that do not lead to misunderstanding or alarm.
To maintain this clarity and consistency in public communication, the Prime Minister highlighted that the government has established specific, designated mechanisms. These include dedicated spokespersons for the Royal Government itself, the Ministry of National Defense, and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, all of whom are tasked with regularly disseminating information to the public. Furthermore, relevant ministries, state institutions, and provincial administrations are also entrusted with the responsibility of communicating important measures and updates to the populace on an ongoing basis.
Responding to concerns about whether the Royal Government had issued orders for frontline troops to withdraw from their positions after ceasefire negotiations, Samdech Hun Manet provided a succinct and definitive answer: “No.” He clarified that the ceasefire talks specifically did not include any conditions for either party’s armed forces to retreat from their established standing positions.
The Prime Minister also directly addressed misleading speculation suggesting that past negotiations involved conditions for land exchange. He firmly stated that such claims were unfounded, again providing a direct denial. Samdech Hun Manet affirmed that neither the ceasefire negotiations held on July 28 in Malaysia nor other bilateral discussions, such as those conducted within the General Border Committee (GBC) or Regional Border Committee (RBC) frameworks, ever touched upon the sensitive issue of border demarcation.
He further assured the public that all outcomes and resolutions from these crucial meetings have consistently been made public, demonstrating complete transparency with no hidden agendas or secret negotiations conducted outside the official discussions.
Samdech Hun Manet underscored Cambodia’s unwavering commitment to resolving border issues peacefully. He reiterated that the Kingdom would continue to utilize existing border mechanisms, specifically the Cambodia-Thailand Joint Border Commission (JBC). This approach is firmly rooted in the basis of existing agreements between Cambodia and Thailand, relevant international treaties, and established principles of international law, demonstrating Cambodia’s steadfast adherence to legal and diplomatic processes.
Addressing criticisms that the Ministry of National Defense had not adequately supported frontline troops, with only philanthropic efforts being publicly visible, the Prime Minister asserted that the government has never abandoned its profound responsibility towards its heroic armed forces, national police, and citizens residing in affected border areas. He appealed for public understanding, explaining that government ministries and institutions often do not publicly document or report every single act of support and supply provided to frontline troops. This administrative discretion, he acknowledged, might inadvertently lead some citizens to mistakenly believe that the Royal Government is not sufficiently attentive to its forces.
Samdech Hun Manet clarified that the government’s concern extends beyond just frontline troops and residents in affected zones. The administration consistently prioritizes the well-being of all troops and citizens across the entire nation, spanning all sectors. He expressed profound gratitude for the patriotic spirit of those who have offered additional support, generously supplementing the government’s ongoing and comprehensive efforts.
Concluding his address, Samdech Hun Manet emphasized the challenging nature of the current period, stressing the vital need for national unity and mutual assistance to collectively overcome difficulties. He warmly welcomed the spirit of “Khmer help Khmer” – a powerful expression of national solidarity that has been evident since before the armed clashes erupted on July 24.
Once more, the Prime Minister called upon all citizens to maintain their trust and confidence in the government’s ongoing efforts to find comprehensive and lasting solutions that serve the ultimate best interests of the nation and its people, regardless of whether all intricate details of these efforts are publicly disclosed.
