At a February 17 border-situation briefing, Cambodia’s government reiterated that it would recover territory it said Thai forces occupied illegally. A government spokesperson said Cambodia was seeking a peaceful settlement under international law, conventions and treaties. Providing temporary shelter for displaced residents did not mean abandoning territorial claims, he said, reaffirming sovereignty and territorial integrity.
Cambodia had formally protested Thai military actions affecting civilian areas, stating its right to defend territory and citizens’ safety. The spokesperson said the government would uphold the boundary established by the Indochina–Siam boundary commission and would not recognise changes imposed by force.
