Border Conflict: U.N. Chief Urges Peaceful Resolution Between Cambodia, Thailand

PHNOM PENH, Cambodia(Sept.30, 2025) — U.N. Secretary-General António Guterres expressed hope that Cambodia and Thailand would resolve their border tensions peacefully through dialogue and mutual understanding, saying “at the end of the day, it’s the people who suffer.”

Guterres made the remarks during a meeting with Cambodian Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Prak Sokhonn on the sidelines of the 80th session of the U.N. General Assembly. The two officials discussed strengthening cooperation between Cambodia and the United Nations.

Guterres praised Cambodia’s role as a troop-contributing country and its involvement in trilateral training efforts. He also commended the country’s progress toward achieving the Sustainable Development Goals and its active participation in multilateral diplomacy.

Prak conveyed greetings from Senate President Hun Sen, Cambodia’s former prime minister, and current Prime Minister Hun Manet. He reaffirmed Cambodia’s trust in the United Nations to uphold multilateralism, international law and the peaceful resolution of disputes.

Prak reiterated Cambodia’s commitment to U.N. peacekeeping missions and humanitarian operations, and said the country stands ready to contribute to global efforts addressing climate change.

He thanked Guterres for his engagement in easing tensions between Cambodia and Thailand, including public calls for both sides to refrain from using force. “Cambodia cannot and does not seek to assert power over any other country, even those smaller than us,” Prak said. “What we want is peace.”

Guterres said he had relayed Cambodia’s concerns to Thai officials and wished the country success in its dialogue with Thailand.