In a statement released on 2 Aug 2025, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced that Vice Minister for Foreign Affairs H.E. Mr. Russ Jalichandra led a delegation of Diplomatic Corps from 11 countries, Defence Attachés from 23 countries, and 23 international media agencies to observe civilian areas affected by indiscriminate attacks by Cambodian forces on Thai civilians.
The delegation visited Ubon Ratchathani and Si Sa Ket provinces, where they witnessed firsthand the devastating impact of these attacks. The sites observed included a convenience store at a gas station in Kantharalak District, the Ban Sam Meng Sub-district Health Promotion Hospital, and a temporary shelter center established to accommodate displaced civilians.
The briefing given by Vice Minister for Foreign Affairs H.E. Mr. Russ Jalichandra, Lieutenant General Arnuparp Sirimonthon, Deputy Chief of Staff, Royal Thai Army, and other officials, provided a detailed timeline of incidents from February 2025 to the recent confrontation between 24 to 28 July 2025.
During this briefing, three key points were highlighted:
- A detailed timeline of incidents from February 2025 to the recent confrontation between 24 to 28 July 2025, during which Cambodian forces initiated hostilities by opening fire on Thai troops, leading to armed clashes. Throughout these armed clashes, Thailand strictly adhered to international law and the United Nations Charter, exercising appropriate self-defense and limiting its operations to legitimate military targets.
- A rebuttal of false narratives circulated by the Cambodian side which has launched continuous disinformation campaigns, along with an appeal for all stakeholders to exercise caution and verify information before dissemination.
- A chronological presentation of the use of heavy weaponry by the Cambodian side against Thai positions and civilian areas.
These attacks have resulted in the loss of 17 Thai civilian lives and more than 150,000 innocent people were displaced. The attacks have also created lasting repercussions on the economic and social fabric of the affected communities, gravely undermining the safety, psychological well-being, and livelihoods of residents in the region.
The sites visit drew considerable attention from the Diplomatic Corps, Defence Attachés, and media agencies, providing them an opportunity for direct engagement with local agencies and affected communities for an insight into the situation on the ground. The visit also helped reaffirm Thailand’s unwavering commitment to universal norms, international law—particularly international humanitarian law—and a strict adherence to the ceasefire agreement.
In conclusion, the international delegation’s visit highlights the severity of the situation in the region and underscores the need for all parties involved to uphold their commitments under international law and human rights standards. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs continues to monitor the situation closely and will take necessary steps to protect Thai civilians and ensure accountability for those responsible for these heinous attacks.
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