Summary of Press Briefing on the Thailand-Cambodia Border Situation on 27 July 2025

Summary of Press Briefing on the Thailand-Cambodia Border Situation on 27 July 2025

Mr. Nikorndej Balankura, Director-General of the Department of Information and Spokesperson of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, on 27 July 2025 at 16.30 hr provided a summary of the press briefing on the Thailand-Cambodia Border Situation, as follows:

1. Ceasefire Proposals

“On the night of 26 July 2025, Acting Prime Minister Phumtham Wechayachai had a telephone conversation with President Donald Trump, during which the Thai government firmly reiterated Thailand’s position that the border issue with Cambodia must be resolved peacefully, particularly through existing bilateral mechanisms. It is a principle that Thailand has consistently emphasized at every occasion.

“Thailand therefore hopes to see a sincere intention from the Cambodian side to cease the indiscriminate and inhumane attacks. Cambodia must demonstrate sincerity and good faith in resolving the issue. Thailand stands ready to engage in dialogue to bring forth measures and procedures for the ceasefire and the eventual peaceful resolution of the conflict.”

2. The Attacks on Civilian Targets in Thai Territory by Cambodian Forces

“Around 02:00 hr this morning (27 July), Cambodian forces began attacking a number of locations along the border, and this is still ongoing, which clearly reflects that Cambodia still lacks the sincerity to end hostilities. More importantly, they are still neglecting basic humanitarian principles by their indiscriminate attacks.

“Examples of Cambodia’s indiscriminate attacks, and their neglect for the value of human life include (1) stationing heavy weaponry among schools, temples, and the homes of their own citizens, which clearly constitutes the use of ‘Human Shields,’ and (2) attacking field hospitals and other medical facilities on the Thai side, which are providing care for both military and civilian casualties.

“The recent actions of Cambodia’s forces are not only violations of Thailand’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, but are also grave violations of international law, particularly the Charter of the United Nations and international humanitarian law.

“As Thailand’s security agencies have clear evidential proof of both incidents, therefore, this morning, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs issued a Statement on Cambodian armed forces firing heavy artillery into civilian homes in Surin Province. 

“Today, 27 July, the Foreign Minister sent two additional letters to UN agencies, to inform them of the attacks along the border that were initiated by Cambodia beginning on 24 July. These aggressive and indiscriminate attacks in violation of international law resulted in significant losses of civilian lives and injuries, while mass evacuations have forced people to leave their homes, disrupting medical treatment for the sick and injured, and closing school which has a long-term impact on children.

“The first letter – to the United Nations Children’s Fund, or UNICEF, to call on UNICEF to urge Cambodia to immediately cease all actions that claim human lives, and put innocent people, in particular children, at risk and in vulnerable situations. The second letter - to the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, or OHCHR, is to notify him of Cambodia’s violations of various international human rights instruments, and calls on OHCHR to use powers under their mandate to urge Cambodia to end the said attacks.”

3. Cambodia’s Disinformation Campaign

“Cambodian forces continue to use heavy artillery to attack Thailand in several areas along our border provinces. While Cambodia presents itself as a responsible member of the international community, it spreads misinformation and disinformation, persistently portraying itself as the victim. This is not only an attempt to conceal the truth, but also a deliberate effort to undermine Thailand’s credibility and reputation on the international stage.

“Another clear example of Cambodia’s dissemination of fake news is the false allegation that the Thai military caused damage to the Phra VIharn Temple. This claim first appeared in a statement dated 24 July 2025, and again in another statement issued today, 27 July. This allegation is baseless, entirely fabricated, and completely untrue.

“The clash between Thai and Cambodian forces on 24 July, which was initiated by the Cambodian side, was in the Huai Ta Maria and Phu Makuea areas. These areas are located two kilometers away from the Phra Viharn Temple, it would be, therefore, practically impossible to believe that ammunition rounds or shrapnel were able to reach the Temple from those areas. Thailand has already submitted an explanation to UNESCO to refute these baseless accusations. Furthermore, the Cambodian side has circulated images that cannot be verified for date or time. Experts have noted that these are old images showing bullet marks that have existed for a long time, repurposed to mislead the public.

“Cambodia’s lack of good faith is clearly evident through the dissemination of false information and the fabrication of evidence. In addition to the tactic of using civilian locations as shields, there appears to be a deliberate intent to use historical sites as shields for attacking Thai forces as well.

“Throughout many decades, Thailand has always shown the international community that Thailand’s policy and actions at the regional and global levels are based on adherence to international principles. This is the case here also, where Thailand is compelled to act in response to Cambodia, which is an inherent right of states under the UN Charter, especially the right to self-defense. Thailand’s response has always been proportionate and limited to necessary military targets.  

“All steps taken by Thailand on the border situation are founded on the principles of international law, humanitarian principles, and as a responsible member of the global community. While the situation remains volatile, the public should exercise caution in communicating and receiving information, especially through social media, which may cause misunderstandings and unintended divisions in the society.”