Cambodian PM Prioritizes Peace and Civilian Lives Over Armed Conflict

AKP Phnom Penh, October 30, 2026-—

Cambodian Prime Minister Samdech Moha Borvor Thipadei Hun Manet reaffirmed his Royal Government’s firm commitment to peaceful dialogue and international law over military confrontation, stressing that protecting human lives remains the nation’s highest priority.

Speaking Friday morning during a relief distribution ceremony for flood-affected families at Battambang Airport, Prime Minister Samdech Thipadei Hun Manet directly addressed critics while delivering a strong policy statement on national security and conflict resolution.

“Let anyone call us cowards if they wish, but we value the lives of our heroic armed forces, police officers, and civilian citizens because war cannot end war,” Prime Minister Samdech Thipadei Hun Manet said. “We choose negotiation mechanisms and international legal frameworks to resolve issues.”

The Prime Minister’s remarks underscore the Royal Government of Cambodia’s strategy to maintain peace and stability through peaceful resolution and international negotiations, explicitly rejecting violence or warfare that leads to destruction and loss of life.

The statement was delivered in Battambang province, where the Prime Minister presided over the distribution of rice seeds and emergency food supply packages to local populations impacted by recent flooding.

By K. Rithy Reak