Thai FM says global community silent on Cambodia’s claims

2026-02-27 - 12:13

BANGKOK — Foreign Minister Sihasak Phuangketkeow on 27 February briefed members of the diplomatic corps on the outcome of his visit to France and participation in the high-level segment of the United Nations Human Rights Council (HRC), saying the international community has not reacted to statements made by Cambodia regarding Thailand. Sihasak said he had met with the UNESCO Director-General, the French foreign minister and the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, and delivered an intervention in Geneva. A key focus was the Thailand–Cambodia situation. He said Thailand had sought to explain efforts to move bilateral relations forward, noting that in direct talks Cambodia had expressed a similar stance. However, he voiced disappointment that Cambodia’s public statements, including allegations that Thailand had encroached on territory, contradicted private discussions and did not reflect the facts. He expressed concern over what he described as inaccurate information in Cambodian reports, saying Thailand had attempted to look ahead and rebuild ties, but Cambodia’s remarks had forced Bangkok to adjust its tone in response. “We prefer to speak constructively, but when Cambodia makes such statements, we must respond — even if we do so in a civil manner,” he said. Sihasak stressed that Thailand’s primary objective at the HRC was to highlight online crime as a serious human rights violation affecting lives and property. He said Thailand presented factual information and did not attribute the problem to political instability or rule-of-law shortcomings in any country. Nevertheless, he said Thailand had again been compelled to address the bilateral issue after Cambodia repeated previous claims. Failing to respond would have left Thailand facing allegations alone, he added. He said Thailand remains committed to restoring relations but cannot do so unilaterally. Cambodia, he said, has conveyed differing messages in various forums and media. He suggested Cambodia’s statements may be aimed at domestic audiences or at creating external pressure on Thailand by invoking the international community. However, Sihasak noted that the global community has not expressed any position on Cambodia’s remarks. He said this likely reflects an understanding that the matter is best resolved bilaterally and that outside involvement could complicate the situation — a position consistent with Thailand’s preference for direct negotiations without external pressure. Asked about next steps, Sihasak said “the ball is now in Cambodia’s court”, adding that Phnom Penh faces a choice between a peaceful path or one leading to conflict and loss. While Thailand is not afraid to defend its sovereignty, he said it would choose an approach that benefits both sides and avoids further damage.