The Thai Ministry of Foreign Affairs recently hosted a press briefing to update the diplomatic corps and international organizations on the ongoing border tensions with Cambodia. The briefing, which was attended by representatives from 75 diplomatic missions, one organization, and 16 international organizations, provided an overview of the sequence of events leading to the current situation and Thailand's positions on resolving the issue through peaceful means.
The briefing began with a clarification of Thailand's actions and positions regarding the border tensions, focusing on developments following the first day of clashes on July 24, 2025, and the ceasefire agreement reached during the Special Meeting held in Putrajaya, Malaysia on July 28, 2025. H.E. Mr. Maris Sangiampongsa, Minister of Foreign Affairs, outlined Thailand's commitment to peace and international law, emphasizing that current tensions with Cambodia are certainly not in Thailand's interest.
Piyapak Sricharoen, Director-General of the Department of East Asian Affairs, provided an overview of the sequence of events leading to the current situation, from before the initial clash on May 28, 2025, through to present. He also outlined the forthcoming bilateral meetings, including the General Border Committee (GBC) meeting and the Joint Boundary Commission (JBC) meeting, which Thailand will host in September.
Thailand's response to the border clashes was described as a legitimate exercise of its inherent right to self-defense, in accordance with Article 51 of the United Nations Charter. The military operations were measured and proportionate, fully consistent with international law, and strictly limited to targeting Cambodian military infrastructure. In contrast, Cambodia's indiscriminate attacks on civilians and public facilities constitute a clear act of aggression and violations of international humanitarian law.
The briefing also addressed Cambodia's dissemination of disinformation in international fora, as well as Thailand's actions to clarify the facts and lodge protests with relevant multilateral platforms. Thailand rejects Cambodia's unfounded allegations in all fora, including claims that Thai Armed Forces invaded and caused damage to the Preah Vihear Temple.
Thailand appreciates Malaysia, as ASEAN Chair, for facilitating the Special Meeting on July 28, 2025, which led to the ceasefire agreement between Thailand and Cambodia. However, it is deeply disappointing that Cambodia still violated the ceasefire on multiple occasions and areas, reflecting Cambodia's lack of sincerity in its implementation. Thailand urges Cambodia to fully and strictly comply with the terms of said agreement.
The briefing concluded with a call from Thailand to cease the distortion of facts and the dissemination of disinformation, which have almost become a daily practice. The Thai government reiterated its commitment to resolving the border situation through peaceful means under existing bilateral mechanisms and assured that it would do its utmost to protect Thailand's sovereignty and territorial integrity.
In summary, the Thai Ministry of Foreign Affairs has reaffirmed its stance on resolving the ongoing border tensions with Cambodia through peaceful means, emphasizing the importance of verifiable facts, sincerity, and compliance with international law. The country remains committed to finding a lasting solution to this issue, which affects not only Thailand but also the regional stability.
Salient points from the briefing:
Thailand is a responsible member of the international community and a principled nation firmly committed to peace and international law.
The current tensions with Cambodia are certainly not in Thailand's interest, and the country regrets that this goodwill has not been reciprocated by Cambodia.
Thailand has clear and verifiable evidence indicating that Cambodia was the first to initiate hostilities and launched indiscriminate attacks on civilians and public facilities.
Thailand's response is a legitimate exercise of its inherent right to self-defense, in accordance with Article 51 of the United Nations Charter.
Cambodia's actions constitute a clear act of aggression and violations of international humanitarian law.