• Cambodian PM Hun Manet claims Thai forces are occupying Cambodian territory despite a ceasefire.
• He calls for the activation of the Joint Boundary Commission to address border disputes.
• The ongoing conflict has displaced hundreds of thousands and severely disrupted trade.
• Hun Manet emphasizes the need for international cooperation, particularly from Trump's Board of Peace.

Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet accused Thai forces of occupying Cambodian territory after recent ceasefire agreements, highlighting ongoing tensions despite previous peace efforts brokered by U.S. President Donald Trump. During his first interview as prime minister, Hun emphasized the need for Thailand to allow the Joint Boundary Commission (JBC) to commence work on the disputed border, which remains volatile even after a ceasefire was reached in December 2022 following months of severe fighting, according to Reuters, Al Jazeera, and Channel News Asia.

Hun Manet described the border situation as "fragile" and criticized Thailand for maintaining troop positions that he claims extend well beyond its own territorial assertions. He stated, "We still have Thai forces occupying deep into Cambodian territory in many areas," reporting that troops have deployed shipping containers and barbed wire in territories recognized as Cambodian, which he argues impedes resident return. This encroachment has affected about 80,000 people, according to maps confirmed by independent sources, as noted by Reuters and Al Jazeera.

Hun Manet called on Thailand to engage with the JBC to facilitate border demarcation following the Thai elections which had previously delayed these efforts. He remarked, "Now the election is done, we hope that Thailand can start, at least on a technical level, to start measuring, start demarcating in the hot zone," allowing for improved living conditions for affected residents. His comments underscore the urgency for diplomatic engagement in resolving the ongoing disputes, as highlighted by Al Jazeera and Channel News Asia.

The Cambodian Prime Minister attended a meeting of Trump's Board of Peace in Washington, indicating hopes that this body could assist in calming tensions at the border. The board aims to oversee peace initiatives in conflict zones, although its role in Cambodian-Thailand relations remains to be seen. This follows a pattern where the peace processes have historically faced challenges, as noted by Reuters and Channel News Asia.

Hun Manet's administration also strives to tackle issues beyond territorial disputes. The Prime Minister asserted that the nation is addressing the proliferation of cyber scam operations, a point of concern for international observers. He emphasizes that tackling these problems should occur alongside enforcing Cambodia's sovereignty and maintaining strong international alliances, illustrating a dual approach to governance, according to Al Jazeera and Channel News Asia.