Cambodian venue for talks with Um Sam An proposed by Manet; ‘on-site verification’ suggested
Prime Minister Hun Manet has renewed callc for former opposition lawmaker Um Sam An and his team to attend discussions in Cambodia over the disputed Cambodia-Thailand border between boundary pillars 52 and 59, saying…
Source: Phnom Penh Post · October 12, 2026 at 12:02 PM · AI-assisted report
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CAMBODIA (BORDER AREA BETWEEN PILLARS 52 AND 59), NULL, 12 OCTOBER 2026 —
Cambodia’s Hun Manet Pushes for On-Site Border Talks with Um Sam An, Offers Security Safeguards
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Prime Minister Hun Manet of Cambodia has reiterated his invitation for former opposition lawmaker Um Sam An to participate in direct discussions on the disputed Cambodia-Thailand border between boundary pillars 52 and 59, proposing that the talks take place in Cambodia to facilitate on-site verification—a move that underscores the government’s determination to resolve the territorial dispute through tangible evidence rather than documentation alone.
The renewed proposal follows a nearly 80-minute exchange in which Sam An outlined his earlier allegations that temporary border markers had led to Cambodia’s territorial losses, yet the former lawmaker has yet to confirm whether he will accept the invitation. Manet’s insistence on a Cambodian venue stems from two key objectives: allowing Cambodian citizens to observe the proceedings directly and enabling all parties to inspect the disputed area if technical discussions prove inconclusive.
In a statement, Manet acknowledged Sam An’s concerns about personal safety, including fears of a shooting attack or other forms of violence, but dismissed the idea of holding talks outside Cambodia. He argued that discussions based solely on documents or maps could deepen public confusion, as technical border disputes often require physical verification.
“If discussions at the table do not produce a clear and conclusive outcome, then only verification on the ground can provide clarity,” Manet said, emphasizing the necessity of an on-site approach.
The prime minister’s offer extends beyond logistical arrangements: he has pledged personal protection for Sam An and his team during their stay in Cambodia and proposed involving foreign embassies or trusted civil society organizations to monitor their safety. This gesture follows Manet’s initial invitation for Sam An to present evidence directly to officials from the State Secretariat of Border Affairs, a request that has remained unanswered.
Sam An, a former member of the dissolved Cambodia National Rescue Party (CNRP), has repeatedly raised concerns about the placement of temporary boundary markers between pillars 52 and 59, alleging they have encroached upon Cambodian territory. While Manet has not specified a timeline for the proposed talks, his repeated insistence on a Cambodian venue signals a shift toward practical resolution over prolonged diplomatic standoffs.
The dispute between Cambodia and Thailand over the border markers has drawn regional attention, particularly as both nations seek to maintain stability in the ASEAN framework. Manet’s proposal to involve foreign observers and civil society groups could signal an effort to internationalize the dispute, though Sam An’s reluctance to engage—coupled with his demand for talks outside Cambodia—poses a significant hurdle.
The prime minister’s willingness to accommodate security concerns, however, suggests a calculated effort to de-escalate tensions while advancing a solution grounded in verifiable evidence.
For now, the outcome remains uncertain, but the latest developments indicate that both sides remain committed to resolving the border issue—though the path forward will depend on Sam An’s willingness to participate and the government’s ability to address his security apprehensions. The next critical step will be Sam An’s definitive response to the invitation, which could either pave the way for on-site negotiations or further delay a resolution.