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01/06/2026

📹Cambodian Thai expert says border dispute demands military, political will

01/06/2026

🎞KPT Daily | 01 June 2026

Here are the top stories for today:

1.Cambodia Rejects Unilateral Border Claims, Urges Thailand to Uphold Peace Commitments
2.Foreign Ministry Protests Thai Activities in Disputed Border Areas
3. Cambodian‑Thai expert says border dispute demands military, political will
4.Border Tensions Slash Cambodia–Thailand Trade by Nearly 40 Percent
5.Officials Warn of AI Risks as Cambodia Expands Anti‑Fake News Drive

01/06/2026

📰Cambodian‑Thai expert says border dispute demands military, political will

– Experts from Cambodia, Thailand and Japan have urged stronger political commitment, military engagement and regional cooperation to ease tensions along the Cambodia‑Thailand frontier, warning that fragile ceasefires and domestic politics continue to hinder lasting peace.

At the Phnom Penh Strategic Dialogue 2026, Akkharaphong Khamkhun of Thammasat University said Thailand’s armed forces must be directly involved in any settlement.

“The Thai civilian government does not have the real power to solve this serious border issue,” he said, stressing the military’s decisive role in security affairs.

He added that political elites should look beyond short‑term interests and “care more about the future.”

Paul Busbarat, Director of ISIS‑Thailand and Assistant Dean at Chulalongkorn University, said domestic political dynamics in Bangkok remain a major obstacle.

He welcomed past ceasefire deals and confidence‑building steps but cautioned that “without dialogue and peaceful resolution, it will be difficult to restore bilateral relations.”

Japan’s envoy for Mekong cooperation, Teiji Hayashi, described the truce as fragile, saying progress hinges on political will and full implementation of agreed principles.

He reaffirmed Tokyo’s support for peaceful resolution under international law and recalled Japan’s humanitarian aid to border communities affected by clashes.

“Without political will, it is difficult to move forward and resolve this long‑standing border issue,” he said.

Cambodian foreign ministry official Cheunboran Chanborey said Phnom Penh’s border actions aim to defend territorial integrity.

“We have to take measures to protect ourselves against actions that Cambodia considers illegal construction within its territory,” he said.

He added that smaller states must rely on law and ASEAN frameworks to secure lasting peace.

Ou Virak, President of Future Forum, urged ASEAN to play a stronger role, arguing the bloc must go beyond observer missions.

“The ceasefire is only temporary. ASEAN needs a more innovative approach to ensure lasting stability,” he said, calling for proactive regional engagement to prevent escalation and secure durable peace.
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By: Minea Son
©KPT English

01/06/2026

📹Border Tensions Slash Cambodia–Thailand Trade by Nearly 40 Percent

01/06/2026

📰Cambodia Links Rural Development and Tourism Growth Through New Inter-Ministerial Partnership

– Cambodia is stepping up efforts to integrate rural development with tourism expansion through a new partnership between the Ministry of Tourism and the Ministry of Rural Development, officials said Monday. The initiative is aimed at promoting sustainable and inclusive economic growth while improving living standards in rural communities nationwide.

The two ministries signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) presided over by Tourism Minister Huot Hak and Rural Development Minister Chhay Rithisen. The agreement outlines enhanced cooperation in tourism development and rural infrastructure, with a focus on strengthening connectivity, sanitation, clean water access, and community-based initiatives.

Officials said the partnership will prioritize investment in rural tourism assets, including model villages and community development projects, designed to generate new income opportunities for local populations. By linking rural development with tourism flows, the government hopes to expand visitor arrivals, improve public service delivery, and promote more balanced tourism across the country.

The Tourism Ministry highlighted the ongoing “Visit Cambodia in Green Season 2026” campaign, which seeks to attract international visitors during the rainy season, stimulate domestic tourism, and position Cambodia as a year-round destination. Authorities said the new partnership will complement this campaign by ensuring that rural areas benefit directly from tourism growth.

Beyond infrastructure, the agreement also emphasizes knowledge-sharing, technical cooperation, and joint development initiatives to maximize resources and strengthen the long-term sustainability of both sectors. Officials noted that the partnership forms part of Cambodia’s broader strategy to diversify tourism products, strengthen local economies, and ensure that rural communities share in the benefits of national development.
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By: In Sopheng
©KPT English

01/06/2026

📰Samdech Techo Hun Sen Shares Thai Expert’s Open Letter on Border Maps Amid Renewed Cambodia-Thailand Boundary Debate

– Cambodia’s Senate President Samdech Techo Hun Sen has publicly shared an open letter by Thai security and geopolitical expert Surachart Bamrungsuk, reigniting discussion over the historical treaties and maps underpinning Cambodia-Thailand boundary disputes.

Samdech TechoHun Sen said he was intrigued by the letter, originally posted on a Thai media platform’s Facebook account, and provided an informal translation for audiences in both countries.

He stressed that he was not adding commentary, leaving the content for public consideration. The move comes at a time of renewed sensitivity over border demarcation, particularly in areas linked to past International Court of Justice (ICJ) rulings.

In his letter, Surachart argued that disputes should be resolved strictly on the basis of internationally ratified treaties, notably the 1904 and 1907 agreements between Siam (now Thailand) and France.

He emphasized that maps produced under these treaties and formally distributed to Siamese authorities must serve as the primary legal reference in negotiations.

By contrast, he warned that non-ratified or military-produced maps should not be used as evidence in international disputes.

Surachart cited the ICJ’s 1962 ruling on the Preah Vihear Temple, in which the court gave weight to a boundary map annexed by Cambodia.

He cautioned that rejecting treaty-based frameworks could weaken Thailand’s legal standing and risk renewed adjudication at the ICJ.

He urged Thai authorities to consult legal and geographical experts rather than rely on political interpretations, noting that the treaties also govern other sections of Thailand’s borders with neighboring states.
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By: Minea Son
©KPT English

01/06/2026

📰Kampong Thom Governor Orders Crackdown on Illegal Logging in Prey Lang Forest

— Authorities in Kampong Thom province have ordered intensified measures against illegal logging in the Prey Lang Wildlife Sanctuary, following reports of recent forest clearance inside the protected area, officials said Sunday.

Provincial Governor Nuon Pharat instructed relevant agencies to strengthen patrols, increase surveillance, and take immediate legal action against individuals involved in forest crimes.

During an inspection visit to Sochit commune in Sandan district, near Kratie province’s Sambo district, Pharat expressed concern over the loss of about five to six hectares of forest believed to have been cleared during the Khmer New Year holiday period.

He ordered security forces and environmental officials to coordinate joint operations from a forward command post to prevent further encroachment and ensure offenders are arrested and prosecuted.

“Authorities must act without exception and in accordance with the law,” he said, calling for stronger enforcement against what he described as continued illegal exploitation of natural resources.

The governor also directed the provincial Department of Environment to issue confiscation orders for the affected land, declare it state property, and prepare legal case files for submission to the courts.

He urged investigations to identify those responsible and called for strict penalties, while offering incentives for information leading to arrests.

Military and security officials, including Major General Som Sun, pledged to fully implement the directive in cooperation with environmental authorities and armed forces units deployed in the area.

Prey Lang, one of Cambodia’s largest remaining lowland evergreen forests, has long been the focus of conservation efforts amid persistent concerns over illegal logging and land encroachment.
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By: Minea Son
©KPT English

01/06/2026

📰Cambodia Says Nearly 30,000 Still Displaced Amid Border Tensions With Thailand

– Nearly 30,000 people remain displaced in Cambodia due to ongoing border tensions with Thailand, the Ministry of Interior said Monday, as restrictions and security concerns continue to hinder full returns.

In its daily update covering the 24-hour period to 6:00 am, the ministry reported 29,756 people still unable to go home, including 15,381 women and 10,024 children.

Authorities said the figure is part of a wider displacement of more than 640,000 people since clashes flared, with about 95 percent now back in their communities following a ceasefire that took effect on December 27, 2025.

Return movements have slowed, however, as some border zones remain inaccessible. The ministry did not specify the conditions preventing further returns.

Public services also remain disrupted. Twenty schools and eight health facilities across Oddar Meanchey, Banteay Meanchey and Preah Vihear provinces are still closed, officials said.

No new damage to civilian infrastructure has been recorded since December 7, 2025, beyond previously documented incidents.

The ministry repeated accusations that Thailand has not fully complied with a joint border agreement, alleging Thai forces continue activities in areas Cambodia claims as its territory, including building religious structures and installing flagpoles.

Cambodia said it is pursuing diplomatic and legal channels to resolve the dispute and voiced support for Prime Minister Hun Manet’s efforts to achieve a peaceful settlement in line with international law.

Calling for national unity, the ministry said the government’s priority is to restore stability and enable all displaced families to return.

Despite lingering tensions, officials noted that most affected communities have resumed normal life, though thousands remain in limbo as the border situation drags on.
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By: Minea Son
©KPT English

01/06/2026

📹Foreign Ministry Protests Thai Activities in Disputed Border Areas

01/06/2026

📰Angkor Ticket Revenue and Tourist Arrivals Continue to Decline Amid Regional Uncertainty

— Cambodia’s Angkor tourism sector continued to face significant challenges in May as international visitor arrivals and ticket revenue fell sharply amid growing regional and geopolitical uncertainty, official data showed Monday.

Angkor Enterprise reported ticket sales for the Angkor Archaeological Park and other heritage sites attracted 37,467 foreign tourists in May, generating about US$1.71 million in revenue — down 29 percent and 27.7 percent respectively compared to the same month last year.

For the first five months of 2026, foreign tourist arrivals through Angkor ticket sales reached 359,471 visitors, a decline of nearly 32 percent year‑on‑year, while revenue dropped almost 30 percent to US$17.2 million.

Industry stakeholders pointed to Cambodia–Thailand border tensions, global instability, and concerns over online scams as factors undermining traveler confidence. Thourn Sinan, chairman of the Pacific Asia Travel Association Cambodia chapter, said tourism remains highly sensitive to geopolitical developments and increasing global uncertainty.

Despite the slowdown, Cambodia is pressing ahead with international marketing initiatives, including the Cambodia Travel Match 2026 Mini‑Series and the “Visit Cambodia in the Green Season” campaign aimed at attracting more global visitors.

The American Chamber of Commerce in Cambodia warned in its 2026 outlook that regional tensions and border disruptions could prolong recovery, with some estimates suggesting the sector may take several years to fully rebound. Officials said sustained promotion and diversification of tourism products will be critical to restoring momentum.
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By: In Sopheng
©KPT English

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