Thailand’s Foreign Minister Meets Thai Ambassadors and Consul Generals on GBC Results

Unofficial Translation
Statement of H.E. Maris Sangiampongsa, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Kingdom of Thailand, At the Meeting with Thai Ambassadors and Consul Generals

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• Let me begin with some remarks on the outcome of the recent General Border Committee (GBC) meeting and the 13-point agreement reached by both sides. This represents an important development and a significant step forward in the peace dialogue process. I would like to express my appreciation to Malaysia, the United States and China for their support in facilitating the meeting.The Ministry of Foreign Affairs stands ready to fully support the Ministry of Defence in carrying the negotiations forward. We have already worked closely with the Ministry of Defence, including serving as secretariat and helping to draft the framework of the agreement. Moving forward, Thailand remains open to bilateral talks through diplomatic channels to support the Ministry of Defence’s work, under the condition that Cambodia respects and upholds the terms of the ceasefire agreement.

• I wish to express my appreciation to the Ministry’s executives, ambassadors, consuls-general, representatives of our embassies, permanent missions, and consular offices abroad, as well as officials from relevant departments, for attending today’s hybrid meeting. I also thank our ambassadors and consuls-general for their tireless efforts in presenting factual information and defending the truth with their respective host countries and international organizations in line with the Government’s policies. The Ministry will continue to support the work of all our missions abroad.

• In this connection, I urged all ambassadors and consuls-general to continue engaging with their host countries to convey the truth.

• The objectives of today’s meeting are:

1. To report on the results of the recent GBC meeting,

2. To deliver policy guidance and direction for the Ministry and our missions abroad to ensure a coordinated response to the current situation, and

3. To provide an update on the latest developments in the Thai–Cambodian situation.

• On 4 August, I held a briefing for the diplomatic corps and representatives 
of international organizations in Thailand, in which I presented the facts of the situation along the Thai–Cambodian border and outlined Thailand’s official position. The event was attended by representatives from 75 countries, 
1 regional organization (the European Union), and 16international organizations reflecting the strong international interest. 

• I emphasized that the current tensions between Thailand and Cambodia are not something Thailand desires, nor is it in Thailand’s interest. However, it was Cambodia that initiated military aggression against Thailand, particularly by targeting civilian infrastructure which constitutes a grave violation of international humanitarian law. Thailand had no choice but to respond in accordance with international legal principles.

• Furthermore, Thailand has never breached the ceasefire agreement nor disseminated false or misleading information. The Royal Thai Government remains committed to resolving border issues with Cambodia through existing bilateral mechanisms, in good faith and with sincerity. We hope Cambodia will reciprocate in the same spirit.

• The core narrative that we must consistently communicate to the international community is that “the truth shall prevail.”. I call on all ambassadors and consuls-general to adopt a proactive approach in communicating the facts, backed by verifiable and evidence-based information, in order to reaffirm Thailand’s sincerity, credibility, and reputation as a responsible member of the international community.

• On the issue of fake news, Cambodia has previously launched a coordinated disinformation campaign at all levels. I ask all missions to closely monitor local media and other platforms to assess whether Cambodia has ceased its disinformation efforts in line with the agreement. And report back to headquarters accordingly. If disinformation continues, we must respond promptly and urge our counterparts not to believe or act on such fake news without first verifying the facts with Thai authorities.

• In countries with large Cambodian communities, I urge embassies and consulates-general to monitor for any dissemination of false information that could tarnish Thailand’s image, which would also be a breach of the GBC agreement.

• In multilateral forums such as the United Nations, ASEAN, UNESCO, ICRC, the Human Rights Council (HRC), and others, I ask our ambassadors to maintain close relationships with officials and secretariats across all levels. 
This will ensure that we can consistently and effectively explain Thailand’s position within key international frameworks particularly under relevant treaties and conventions. We must reinforce Thailand’s constructive role and unwavering commitment to our international obligations.

• On the issue of International Humanitarian Law (IHL), this is a crucial legal framework through which we can show the international community that Cambodia has violated international norms while Thailand has strictly abided by the law. Most recently, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, in coordination with the Royal Thai Army, has granted permission for ICRC officials to visit and observe the conditions of the 18 Cambodian prisoners of war. This act underscores Thailand’s transparency and adherence to humanitarian principles, as enshrined in the Geneva Conventions and international law.

• We sincerely hope that the Cambodian side will fully and faithfully implement the terms of the agreement. Thailand remains committed to continuing dialogue to restore the relationship between our two countries, with the aim of once again becoming good neighbors. This is in the best interest of the peoples of both nations, especially those living along our shared border, and for the peace and stability of the ASEAN region as a whole.

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