PHNOM PENH, Cambodia has used a major international parliamentary forum in Phnom Penh to raise its concerns over what it describes as acts of aggression by Thai forces and violations of international law, while reaffirming that it will seek to resolve the Cambodia–Thailand border dispute through peaceful means.

The remarks were made during the 2nd Inter-Parliamentary Speakers’ Conference (ISC-2), which officially opened in Phnom Penh on Thursday under the theme “Solidarity for Peace and Shared Prosperity: Strengthening International Law and Resolving Conflicts Peacefully.” The conference is being hosted by Cambodia from August 26 to 28 and brings together parliamentary leaders and delegations from Asia, Europe, Africa, the Middle East, Oceania and Latin America.

Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet, speaking at the opening of the conference, raised the issue of the Cambodia–Thailand border situation and reiterated Cambodia’s position that disputes should be addressed through dialogue, international law and peaceful mechanisms.

The Cambodian position comes amid continuing diplomatic tensions between Phnom Penh and Bangkok over competing interpretations of border developments and the implementation of previous agreements.

Cambodia has repeatedly said that it does not seek to resolve territorial disputes through the use of force and instead supports diplomatic and legal mechanisms.

The ISC-2 theme itself places strong emphasis on international law and the peaceful settlement of conflicts, providing a high-level platform for Cambodia to present its position to parliamentary leaders from around the world.

Senate President Hun Sen, who also chairs ISC-2, used his opening remarks to highlight what he described as Thailand’s failure to respect international law in relation to the Cambodia–Thailand conflict.

Hun Sen also raised concerns about what he characterized as a “grey-zone strategy”, arguing that the conflict has involved forms of pressure beyond conventional military confrontation.

He linked this broader security environment to the issue of online scams and technology-facilitated crime, presenting cyber-enabled criminal activity as part of the wider non-traditional security challenges facing Cambodia and the region.

Cambodia has separately placed the fight against online scams high on its national security agenda. Cambodian authorities say they have been conducting nationwide operations against scam networks and transnational criminal groups. An official report said investigations between July 2025 and July 31, 2026 identified 751 locations where offences were allegedly committed.

However, the connection between online scam operations and the Cambodia–Thailand border conflict is a political allegation that should be distinguished from independently established facts.

The ISC-2 gathering gives Cambodia an opportunity to present its interpretation of the border dispute directly to international parliamentary leaders.

More than 200 national and international journalists have registered to cover the conference, according to Cambodia’s Ministry of Information, increasing the international visibility of the event.

The conference is also designed to address broader global challenges, including armed conflicts, international security, cooperation among parliaments and respect for international law.

King Norodom Sihamoni, in a Royal Message delivered for the opening of ISC-2, stressed the importance of political dialogue, trust, reconciliation, respect for the rule of law and peaceful coexistence in resolving conflicts. He also emphasized the role of international law in protecting the sovereignty, equality and security of all states.

Cambodia’s latest statements come against the backdrop of continuing disagreement with Thailand over the two countries’ shared border.

Thailand has rejected Cambodia’s recent allegations concerning a visit by the Thai prime minister to a border area, saying the visit took place on the Thai side and was consistent with the December 2025 Joint Statement of the General Border Committee. Bangkok has also said it remains committed to resolving differences peacefully through bilateral mechanisms.

The competing claims underline the sensitivity of the border issue and the importance of distinguishing between the positions of each government and independently verified facts.

Despite its strong criticism of Thailand, Cambodia continues to frame its approach around peaceful dispute resolution.

By raising the border issue at ISC-2, Phnom Penh is seeking to place the dispute within a broader international discussion on international law, parliamentary diplomacy, sovereignty, peace and conflict prevention.

The conference’s central message — solidarity for peace and shared prosperity through stronger international law and peaceful conflict resolution — provides the framework through which Cambodia is presenting its position to the international community.

For Cambodia, the diplomatic challenge now is to maintain its claims and seek international understanding while preventing further escalation along the border.

The latest developments show that the Cambodia–Thailand border dispute is being fought not only on the ground and through bilateral diplomacy, but increasingly through international political and parliamentary forums, where both sides seek to establish their respective narratives and legal positions.