A leading Cambodian researcher has said that Thailand’s recent election will not resolve the long-running border dispute between the two countries.
Chhang Youk, director of the Documentation Center of Cambodia, wrote on Facebook that while Thailand’s election is an important political development, it cannot be seen as the single or decisive factor shaping tensions along the Cambodian-Thai border.
He said the dispute is both a cause and a consequence of internal political competition in Thailand. According to him, Thai political groups have at times drawn on historical tensions with Cambodia to foster national unity and advance their own domestic agendas.
Chhang Youk, known internationally for his work documenting the history of the Khmer Rouge, argued that an election alone cannot bring an end to such a complex and deeply rooted international issue. Border disputes tied to generations of historical grievances cannot be resolved by a single event, he said, not even by a peace agreement.
Instead, he suggested that Cambodia’s government should adopt a long-term and multi-sector strategy. He called for coordinated efforts across politics, diplomacy, economics, the military, and social and cultural fields to respond to what he described as continued encroachment by Thailand. He also accused Thailand of portraying Cambodia as the instigator of border tensions while, in his words, occupying 14 disputed areas of Cambodian territory.
The comments come as Thai media reported the results of the country’s prime ministerial election, which concluded on the evening of February 8, 2026. According to local outlets, the Bhumjaithai Party led by Anutin Charnvirakul secured 194 seats, the largest share among five major parties.
The Thai People’s Party won 116 seats, Pheu Thai took 76, Kla Tham secured 57, and the Democrat Party gained 22 seats.
Reports indicate that Bhumjaithai performed particularly strongly in provinces bordering Cambodia, winning most seats in those areas.
On February 8, Reuters reported that Anutin Charnvirakul had campaigned on a platform that emphasized nationalism. During a rally in Bangkok last month, he pledged to devote his life to defending Thailand and urged voters to back Bhumjaithai to safeguard the country’s territory in the future.
Meanwhile, Men Nat, head of the Cambodian Watchdog Council, wrote on Facebook that regardless of who leads Thailand, many Thai politicians continue to pursue ambitions toward Cambodian territory. He said this stemmed from what he described as differing interpretations of history that have fueled expansionist aspirations over time.
The border dispute between Cambodia and Thailand has flared intermittently over the years, often becoming entangled with domestic political pressures on both sides. Observers say the latest election may reshape political dynamics in Bangkok, but fundamental issues tied to history and sovereignty remain unresolved.
