04/01/2026
Today, there remains an ongoing—and often endless—debate over which map scale should be applied, as each side holds a different belief regarding its legitimacy. The 1904 and 1907 French colonial treaties and the maps produced under them remain relevant, but they “do not by themselves conclusively determine the precise border in every disputed area.” Cambodia relies primarily on the older 1:200,000 treaty-era maps, while Thailand uses the more modern 1:50,000 military map series—the same scale Cambodia applies along its border with Vietnam, but not in its boundary discussions with Thailand.
As a result, the issue remains an ongoing bilateral matter, in which Thailand and Cambodia are best placed to understand and resolve, not the ICJ or anyone else. Modern bilateral arrangements and negotiation mechanisms therefore continue to play a crucial role, with a lasting solution ultimately depending on the willingness of leaders from both countries to reach a mutually acceptable agreement in the future.
Thai certain actions such as placing containers along the border, laying barbed wire, or raising national flags are violating previous agreements. Cambodia reemphasizes that it does not recognize any alteration of boundary lines resulting from the use of force.
Pen Bona, chief government spokesperson, said in a briefing on Jan. 2.
