Summary of Press Briefing on the Thai-Cambodia Border Situation
By the Minister of Foreign Affairs
On 26 July 2025 at 11:00 hrs.
1. Development on Thailand-Cambodia Border Situation
- Have been closely monitoring the situation, in particular on the morning of 24 July 2025, when Cambodia initiated an attack, targeting non-military sites such as a hospital, schools, a petrol station, and convenience stores in multiple areas. These attacks resulted in a large number of civilian casualties, including injuries and fatalities. Tragically, one of the victims was a child only eight years old. No country would condone such actions. Cambodia has committed serious violations of fundamental principles, particularly by carrying out indiscriminate and inhumane attacks against innocent civilians.
- These actions not only violate Thailand’s sovereignty but also constitute serious breaches of international law, the UN Charter, and international humanitarian law, they also violate basic morality and common humanity, and should be fully condemned by the international community.
- MFA immediately issued a statement that (1) condemned Cambodia’s actions in the strongest possible terms; (2) announced the downgrading of diplomatic relations, including the recall of the Thai Ambassador to Cambodia and a request for the Cambodian Government to recall its Ambassador to Thailand; and (3) called on Cambodia to take full responsibility for the incident, to immediately cease its repeated attacks against both military personnel and civilians, and to stop violating Thailand’s sovereignty. The Ministry also extends our deepest condolences and sympathies to both civilians and personnel who have been injured or lost their lives.
- The recent case of Cambodia laying new landmines within Thai sovereign territory has been thoroughly assessed and confirmed by our security agencies. This act has resulted in serious injuries and permanent disability to two Royal Thai Army personnel. The Foreign Minister deeply regretted these tragic consequences and also wished to commend the bravery and dedication of all our soldiers who stand on the frontlines in defense of Thailand’s sovereignty.
- The Thai Government has reaffirmed the commitment to resolving border issues with Cambodia through sincere dialogue and in good faith. However, Cambodia’s continued violations of Thai sovereignty and breaches of international law have left Thailand with no choice but to urgently address the international community on this matter.
2. Actions taken by the Thai Government at the International Stage
- The Foreign Minister delivered a statement during the UNSC Open Debate on Promoting International Peace and Security through Multilateralism and Peaceful Settlement of Disputes, and held several bilateral meetings, including with (1) the Secretary - General of the UN, (2) the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs of Pakistan (as the current UNSC President), (3) the Minister of Social Development of Panama (the next UNSC President), and (4) the State Minister for Foreign Affairs of Japan, as Japan is the President-Designate of the 22nd Meeting of the States Parties to the Ottawa Convention, and (5) the Special Representative of the President of the Russian Federation for Relations with International Organisations, as Russia is a UNSC Permanent Member.
- During these meetings, the Foreign Minister clarified (1) the facts and information on the unfolding Thailand – Cambodia border situation, (2) emphasized Thailand’s position, to resolve boundary issues with Cambodia peacefully and in good faith, through existing bilateral mechanisms and (3) Cambodia’s violations of the Ottawa Convention, by the laying of new landmines on Thai sovereign territory, as well as other various violations of international law by Cambodia.
- With regard to Cambodia’s submission of a letter to the UNSC, our Permanent Representative to the UN in New York has also called on the Permanent Representative of Pakistan, as the President for July 2025, to hand over a letter presenting the evidence and facts of the use of force initiated by Cambodia, and the relevant violations of international obligations, and requested that the letter be officially circulated to all members of the UNSC for their information.
- Last night, at 15.00 hrs. (New York time), or 02.00 hrs. (Thailand time), the UNSC held a private (closed) meeting to discuss the situation on the Thailand – Cambodia border, at which the 15 UNSC member countries, as well as Thailand and Cambodia attended. The meeting was for consultations only, and no resolutions were adopted.
- Thailand stressed our position that Cambodia initiated the attacks, and continuously attacked non-military targets resulting in large numbers of Thai fatalities and injuries. This is a blatant violation of international law and humanitarian principles.
- In any event, statements of UNSC member countries did not express concern on any particular issue, but rather highlighted broad principles, which were all aligned, namely; (1) called on Cambodia and Thailand to exercise restraint, de-escalate tensions, cease armed attacks, and resolve the issue peacefully, including through diplomacy and bilateral negotiations on the basis of good neighbourliness (2) support the role of ASEAN to advance consultation in accordance with the ASEAN Charter and (3) underline that the situation along the Thai-Cambodia does not constitute a threat to international peace and security. The meeting did not issue any documents.
3. Other related issues
- The Foreign Minister thanked Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim for this role and proposals towards a ceasefire, which Thailand strongly agrees with in principle, although Cambodia must first cease the hostilities and show sincerity. Thailand attaches importance to the ASEAN Chair, and stands ready to engage constructively with Malaysia towards a conclusion on this matter. FM has continued his dialogue with the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Malaysia.
- Regarding fake news which Cambodia issued a statement alleging that the Thai military caused damage to the Phra Viharn Temple, which is on UNESCO’s World Heritage register, resulting from the clash on 24 July, such allegations are unfounded and untrue. The clashes between our two countries on 24 July, initiated by Cambodia, which occurred in the Huay Ta Maria and Phu Makhua areas, were a whole two kilometres away from the Temple. It would be, therefore, practically impossible and incredulous to imply that ammunition rounds or shrapnel were able to reach the Temple from those areas. The Thai has issued a written clarification on this matter as well.
- Thailand reaffirms its commitment to resolving the conflict peacefully and in accordance with international law and stands ready to cooperate with the international community to maintain peace and stability. At the same time, we call on the Cambodian side to cease all actions that violate international law immediately and to return to the negotiating table with sincerity and in good faith.
- The Foreign Minister extended his full support to the people living in the affected areas and to all the officials currently carrying out their duties on the ground. Please be assured that the Ministry’s officials will continue to perform their responsibilities to the best of their abilities in safeguarding Thailand’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, as well as the country’s dignity and standing in the international arena. Above all, we prioritize the safety and interests of the Thai people.
- At the end of the Press Conference, Mr. Nikorndej Balankura, Director-General of the Department of Information and MFA Spokesperson, read out the Statement condemning attacks on civilian targets, which can be read at https://www.mfa.go.th/en/content/statement-condemning-attacks-on-civilian-targets
#CambodiaOpenedFire #HospitalNotATarget #RespectInternationalLaw #StandWithThailand #TeamThailand
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