Prime Minister Hun Manet and Um Sam An, a former opposition lawmaker whose party has since been dissolved, have traded letters over claims that Cambodian territory was lost along the border with Thailand. The exchange has now reached the point where Hun Manet has set a deadline at the end of October for Um Sam An to decide whether he will take part in planned talks on the issue.

According to some English-language media reports published on Tuesday, October 20, Hun Manet proposed that Um Sam An could send a representative to the upcoming meeting instead of attending in person. He has repeatedly urged Um Sam An to bring documents so they can be compared, pointing out that Um Sam An has often claimed the government allowed land to be lost along disputed border sections between markers 52 and 59 in Kamrieng district, Battambang province.

Um Sam An reportedly tied his participation to conditions, including a pardon for himself and guarantees of his security and safety, so that he could return to Cambodia in the national interest. Hun Manet responded that Um Sam An has not presented clear evidence to support the accusation that the government caused the land loss.

Some political analysts argue that border disputes between countries are a broad national matter and should not be mixed with domestic politics. Hun Manet has nonetheless set the end of October as the deadline for Um Sam An to make his final decision. If he cannot attend, he may appoint a representative to join the discussions with the government, whether that person is based abroad or inside the country.

Hun Manet has set four conditions for the opposition figure. First, Um Sam An must give his representative full authority to decide on any issue. Second, he must hand over documents, evidence and witnesses related to the claimed loss of land between border markers 52 and 59. Third, he must accept the statements and arguments his representative presents during the talks. Finally, he must agree to accept the final outcome after all documents have been reviewed and compared.

Hun Manet said the security, safety and welfare guarantees previously offered to Um Sam An, his representatives and his team remain unchanged. Earlier, Um Sam An had asked for a public forum on border issues with the government's border working group in Phnom Penh from November 1 to 7.