Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet has sent a letter to French President Emmanuel Macron requesting access to historical documents and technical information in hopes of resolving the prolonged border conflict with Thailand. Last year, there were two armed clashes resulting in deaths and significant displacement of civilians.
The Cambodian Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced today (5 Feb) that Prime Minister Hun Manet has written to French President Emmanuel Macron seeking assistance in obtaining historical documents to serve as evidence in resolving the border dispute between Thailand and Cambodia.
A statement dated 4 February said Prime Minister Hun Manet requested access to any historical documents and technical data France might hold related to past border demarcations. He also welcomed the possibility of France sending experts or providing advice to support the process.
The over 817-kilometer border between Thailand and Cambodia was first mapped by France in 1907 during the colonial period, using natural watershed lines as criteria for dividing the territory.
However, the overlapping territory includes several important archaeological sites, especially the Preah Vihear Temple, an 11th-century Hindu sanctuary that remains a sensitive issue between the two countries for a long time.
This move follows a significant escalation of the border situation last year, including two armed clashes: one in July, involving a five-day battle after weeks of tension caused by Cambodian soldiers killed in late May. This resulted in 43 deaths before a temporary ceasefire was reached through negotiations in Malaysia, with intervention from U.S. President Donald Trump.
In December, fighting erupted again and lasted over three weeks, with both sides accusing each other of violating the ceasefire agreement. A new truce was declared on 27 December, with a total of 101 deaths and over 500,000 people displaced from both sides.
The statement added that Prime Minister Hun Manet received positive signals during a prior meeting with President Macron, who expressed willingness to assist. Cambodia hopes France’s "constructive involvement" will help achieve a sustainable agreement and end the bloody conflict.
Currently, the French Embassy in Cambodia and Thailand’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs have not officially commented on this request.
. Reuters