Phnom penh: Cambodian Minister of Information H.E. Neth Pheaktra has declared that military occupation and unilateral actions cannot alter international boundaries or establish lawful territorial rights. In a statement shared on Facebook, the Minister emphasized the inviolability of legal instruments and cartographic evidence in maintaining established borders.

According to Agence Kampuchea Presse, the Minister cited officials from the State Secretariat of Border Affairs, affirming that geographical facts and historical records cannot be changed by unilateral claims. He highlighted that the Franco-Siamese boundary delimitation process, represented by the 1:200,000 map, clearly places Prasat K'nar within Cambodian territory. Additionally, he noted that Thailand's 1:50,000 L7017 map similarly indicates that both Prasat Khnar and Tamone Thom Temple are within Cambodian borders.

The Minister underscored that the use of military force to seize or occupy these areas cannot create sovereignty or alter international boundaries. He stated that military efforts cannot substitute legal processes and that occupation by force does not constitute a lawful basis for territorial claims. Cambodia views the Thai military's actions as a violation of its sovereignty and territorial integrity, having lodged strong protests against such actions.

H.E. Neth Pheaktra reiterated Cambodia's commitment to resolving border disputes peacefully and in accordance with international law. He urged Thailand to cease unilateral actions, respect Cambodia's sovereignty, and address border issues through peaceful and lawful means rather than through military force. The Minister concluded by asserting that international boundaries cannot be changed through military occupation.