Prime Minister Hun Manet has cautioned against a rising tide of nationalism in both Cambodia and Thailand, warning that political interference in border issues could escalate tensions between the two neighbouring nations.

As he addressed a February 19 graduation ceremony, he reiterated the importance of national committees, technical negotiations and historical legal frameworks in resolving long-standing border disputes.

“In recent days, nationalists, or politicians promoting nationalism – in both Cambodia and Thailand – have been pushing this situation,” said Manet.

The border between Cambodia and Thailand remains a sensitive issue, with some areas lacking clearly marked border posts.

The prime minister noted that from Choam in Oddar Meanchey’s Anlong Veng district to Cham Yeam in Koh Kong province, there are 74 border posts, while from Mum Bei in Preah Vihear to Cham Yeam, no posts exist.

Instead, Cambodia relies on a 1908 map, issued by the Indochina and Siamese Border Delimitation Commission, from the French-colonial period.

“The border issue needs time to be resolved. Since 1998, we have been working on it. We have identified some of the border markers, but in some places, they are still missing,” said Manet.

“We have not yet agreed on the 73rd post. According to the 1907 map, it was there. Now it is moved. We disagree. Let’s continue to negotiate,” he added.

While Cambodia remains committed to peaceful negotiations, the prime minister made it clear that the country will defend its sovereignty if necessary.

“Cambodia wants a peaceful resolution, but Cambodia also reserves the right to defend itself by all means, including the use of armed force, should any nation dare to use force to occupy our territory,” he added.

Manet recalled that when Thais occupied the Wat Keo Sekha Kirisvarak pagoda in 2008, it led to three years of skirmishes in the Preah Vihear temple area, a development which he described as fuelled by political manoeuvring.

He urged the politicians of both Kingdoms to avoid using the border dispute as a political tool for personal or party gains.

“We must resolve the issue based on technical grounds, with maps, technical working groups and clear documents, using the 1908 border map as the basis for negotiations,” he said.

Manet emphasised that border resolutions must remain under the jurisdiction of expert committees and legal mechanisms rather than being influenced by nationalist rhetoric.

“Thai politicians should not push this issue for political gain by citing personal reasons,” he added.

The Prime Minister also praised the courage and unity of Cambodia’s armed forces, citing the case of Brigadier General Neak Vong, Commander of the 42nd Brigade of Military Region 4.

Vong, a former Khmer Rouge soldier, became a symbol of national unity after standing firm during a recent border standoff with Thai soldiers at Ta Moan.

“If you want to shoot, shoot,” he told Thai soldiers at the time, with many Cambodian citizens praising his national spirit.

“We are together as one Khmer, one army, working together for the territory thanks to the peace brought by the win-win political principle. Most importantly, we must not have internal divisions,” declared Manet.

Oddar Meanchey provincial governor Mean Chanyada has encouraged Cambodians to visit the Ta Moan Temple, adding on February 19 that Cambodians are free to organise activities and sing the national anthem as usual.

“Despite recent incidents, our authorities have not stopped the singing of national songs, including the national anthem or historical, patriotic Khmer songs,” he told The Post.

On February 13, a group of Khmer visitors to the temple were admonished by Thai soldiers for singing the Cambodian national anthem while at the temple.

“Ta Moan Temple is an ancient Khmer temple that people often visit, and sometimes they engage in other activities, such as singing the national anthem or traditional patriotic Khmer songs,” Chanyada added.