Prime Minister Hun Manet has called on the opposition abroad to end their accusations of territorial losses and give the government time to resolve the current border dispute with Thailand. He noted that any individual who genuinely wants to help the situation should stop spreading false information.
Manet explained that while his government was working hard to find a solution to the border issue, the opposition was “biting them in the back” in an attempt to gain political advantage. He urged both the opposition and the public to give the government time to resolve the issue, while acknowledging their right to offer constructive criticism over issues such as online scam operations or corruption.
“My goal is simply to earn the trust of the people. That is all. How can we maintain public confidence in the government and give it the opportunity to resolve the issue responsibly? Once the issue has been resolved, the people can examine it and judge whether it was right or wrong, and the government will take responsibility at that time,” he said.
Manet shared his comments as he presided over the October 22 launch of the National Strategy for the Development of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises 2026-2030.
He was responding to allegations by former opposition lawmaker Um Sam An, who has accused the government of ceding territory between border markers 52 and 59 to Thailand via recent demarcation.
“While the matter remains unresolved and complicated, one hand is trying to hold things together while the other is busy with … If we do not stop them, we will be bitten from behind and brought down. The election is approaching and they are launching a campaign to attack us for political gain,” Manet declared.
“Attack us over corruption, online scam operations and whatever else you want. But leave the border issue to us to resolve. The border is not going anywhere, and the Cambodian People’s Party is not going anywhere either,” he added.
Manet clarified that by territorial loss, he was referring to land being ceded through official surveying, rather than land which has been occupied by force.
In recent weeks, Manet and Sam An have exchanged multiple remarks, with the prime minister challenging the former opposition lawmaker to present documents that support his assertion.
Today, he noted that Sam An had neither evidence nor a clear plan for presenting evidence, adding that he would no longer engage in further exchanges with him.
“I thank those who want to contribute and appreciate their willingness to help. But if you genuinely want to help, the best thing to do is remain quiet and avoid creating internal divisions. That would be enough,” he said.
“If you say you want to help, do not bite at us or do anything like that while the situation remains unclear. Do not use baseless lies to attack the government by accusing it of handing territory to another country and dividing the people.
“If you want to help, stop fabricating stories. That would be useful. There is no need to get involved,” he added.