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Former Cambodia National Rescue Party (CNRP) lawmaker Um Sam An stated that the “Independent Government of 23 October” has authorized him to lead a delegation of approximately 10 people to Cambodia to discuss border issues if he is granted a royal pardon and Prime Minister Hun Manet lifts their travel ban.
Speaking to CamboJA News on Wednesday, the exiled politician said he has submitted a letter to Hun Manet via an intermediary in Cambodia requesting him to petition the King to pardon him and his team members, as well as lift their travel ban.
He also proposed a discussion on the whole land border issue with Thailand, rather than focusing on border markers 52 through 59 in Battambang province.
“I submitted my proposal through the coordinator based in Cambodia. I have just submitted additional proposals.”
“As of now, there is no consensus yet regarding the proposal I submitted. Therefore, if he acts in accordance with my proposal, I will certainly return to Cambodia—at his invitation—to discuss the Cambodia-Thailand border issue.”
Sam An intends to return to Cambodia between November 1 and 7 this year.
He hoped that Hun Manet would accede to his request. “This would enable us to enter Cambodia to discuss a solution to the border issue, as well as jointly file complaints against Thailand with the International Court of Justice and the co-chairs of the 1991 Paris Peace Agreements in order to reclaim our territory, specifically the 81 locations currently under Thai control.”
Former CNRP lawmaker Men Sothavarin, who is also living in exile, told CamboJA News that on Tuesday morning (Cambodia time), the independent government, convened overseas, met and approved a mandate authorizing Sam An to facilitate matters in the interest of the country, should he be unable to travel in his capacity as an “official” of the government. Cambodia has maintained that the independent government is an illegal organization.
“The crucial thing is for the [Cambodian] government to lift the ban and pardon [them]; then they can go. The politicians and technical experts involved have travel bans,” he said. “If Um Sam An goes [to Cambodia], the independent media will also go along,” Sothavarin said.
When contacted, government spokesperson Pen Bona said that the prime minister has “made it clear” that he is waiting for Sam An to produce evidence to support his allegation that Cambodia ceded land between border markers 52 and 59 to Thailand.
“Regarding this area—where exactly is the land that is alleged to have been ceded to Thailand? Bring whatever evidence and present it; Samdech Thipadei is waiting for that.”
Following two consecutive invitations issued last weekend, Hun Manet’s third and latest message to Sam An—posted on Facebook on Tuesday—stated that he is “awaiting a clear response regarding the invitation to discuss the Cambodia-Thailand border issue between border markers 52 and 59”.
Hun Manet posted on his Facebook page on Sunday reiterated his commitment to ensuring the safety of Sam An and his team—from the moment they arrive in Cambodia until they depart the country.
“If you do not trust me and the Royal Government, you may also ask a foreign embassy in Cambodia or a civil society organization you trust to help monitor your safety,” he said.
On Wednesday, Sam An wrote on his Facebook: “In the spirit of national reconciliation, unity, and cohesion, I hope Mr. Hun Manet will be open-minded to accept my proposal and initiate discussions on finding a solution to the Cambodia-Thailand border issue soon. I hope to see you soon in Cambodia.”
Veang Huor, a fourth-year law student, said he wanted politicians from all sides to reconcile amid the aggression faced by Cambodia from Thailand. He believes politicians should return to a “culture of dialogue”, and abandon partisan politics and opportunistic behavior akin to the saying, “when the water rises, fish eat ants”.
“I do not see any benefit to nations [giving labels]; on the contrary, it leads to the loss of a system of check and balance that is essential for a democratic society.”
Huor urged politicians to instead devote their time to resolve pressing issues facing Cambodia—such as online scams, high inflation, household debt, significant economic slowdown, a nearly 50% drop in foreign tourism, and, notably, the demand to reclaim territory currently held by Thailand.
“I believe these issues should be the primary focus or immediate priority for politicians, as they directly impact citizens’ lives, the social and economic situation in Cambodia, and—above all—Cambodia’s international reputation. Amid difficult circumstances, politicians should not be [throwing] allegations against each other,” he said.
Chea Theara, a senior politician from the Grassroots Democratic Party, stated that resolving the border issue requires politicians with opposing views to work together as it is necessary to mobilize human resources. It also helps to gather evidence with legal weight to challenge Thailand, both within the region and in international courts.
“We need to rally Khmer people—both domestically and internationally—who possess a nationalist spirit and a desire to help. The government must provide the opportunity for this to happen.”
Meas Nee, a political and social development analyst, said Khmer politicians should not quarrel with one another at a time when Cambodia is facing threats from a neighboring country.
“I anticipate that common ground may not be found in initial discussions; however, if politicians possess a genuine intent for national reconciliation, they should tone down their rhetoric to create an opening—a space—that allows for unity.”
The Joint Boundary Commission (JBC) has several times informed the Thai side (JCB) of resuming talks on the placing of temporary markers at a few segments, including pillars 52-59 in Kamrieng district, since February but the Thai side has repeatedly postponed the project.
In May 2026, the Thai military constructed a concrete wall in Chanthaburi on the Thai side which shares a border with Battambang province in Cambodia.
Thai media outlet Khaosod reported that the military was building a border fence to “strengthen border security” and “improve safety for local residents”.
The construction is taking place between border markers 52 and 54 in Pong Nam Ron district, measuring 1,310 meters near a permanent border crossing on the Thai side that is shared with Kamrieng in Cambodia.
At the time, Battambang provincial governor Sok Lou confirmed that the Thai military was erecting a border fence along the border makers which had been agreed by both sides.
