Summary of Press Briefing on the Thai-Cambodia Border Situation by the Minister of Foreign Affairs on 29 July 2025 at 14:00 hrs.

Summary of Press Briefing on the Thai-Cambodia Border Situation by the Minister of Foreign Affairs on 29 July 2025 at 14:00 hrs.

1. Actions advanced by Thailand in multilateral forums

The Royal Thai Government has spared no effort to address and resolve border tensions between Thailand and Cambodia since the onset of clashes, including sending protest letters in the context of a number of multilateral frameworks such as the Ottawa Convention, and in accordance with international law and international humanitarian law, as well as in the context of the Geneva Conventions, with reference to the Anti-Personnel Landmine incidents and the attack on civilian areas within Thai territory.

During the visit of H.E. Mr. Maris Sangiampongsa, Minister of Foreign Affairs, to the United Nations Headquarters in New York, he delivered a statement at the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) Open Debate and met with high level officials such as the United Nations Secretary-General and the President of the UNSC, to underline that Thailand’s has prioritised peaceful means and exercised restraint in addressing the Thai-Cambodian border tensions while firmly committed to national sovereignty and territorial integrity as well as the safety of our people. At the same time, Thailand also remains firmly committed to the United Nations Charter as well as the ASEAN Charter, international agreements and our ASEAN family, through exercising patience in order to prevent the situation from de-escalating. However, once faced with armed attacks from Cambodia, Thailand was left with no other choice but to exercie its inherent right to self-defence in order to respond to the repeated and continuous armed attacks launched by the Cambodian side.

Countries have expressed their appreciation for Thailand’s commitment to peace and existing bilateral frameworks to resolve issues. After Cambodia’s insistence to bring the Thai-Cambodian border tensions to the consideration of the UNSC, the issue was thereafter included in the discussion in a closed meeting of the UNSC (among the 15 UNSC members and related parties – Thailand and Cambodia) and concluded after that, namely due to Thailand’s strong standing and understanding of Thailand’s peaceloving principles and right to self-defence and the protection of its sovereignty and territorial integrity.

 2. The Special Meeting to address the current situation between Thailand and Cambodia held in Malaysia

Thailand was first approached by Malaysia, as ASEAN Chair, on 26 July 2025 to attend the Special Meeting to address the current situation between Thailand and Cambodia in Malaysia. H.E. Mr. Phumtham Wechayachai, Acting Prime Minister, also received a call from the Honorable Donald J. Trump, President of the United States, who reiterated his support for a peaceful resolution, citing Thailand’s status as a strategic partner of the U.S.

Thailand’s main aims for this meeting were: (1) reiterating Thailand’s policy position; and (2) utilising existing ASEAN mechanisms to help address the border situation between Thailand and Cambodia peacefully. The Ambassadors of the United States of America and the People’s Republic of China to Malaysia were both present as witnesses.

Thailand also received expressions of goodwill from China. The Foreign Minister had a discussion in person with H.E. Mr. Wang Yi, Member of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee and Minister of Foreign Affairs of China, who affirmed that both Thailand and Cambodia are close friends of China and encouraged a return to bilateral negotiations for both.

 3. Cambodia’s Violations of the Ceasefire Agreement

Despite efforts towards the ceasefire agreement, the Foreign Ministry received reports that after the 00.00 hrs. of 28 July 2025, Cambodian troops continued to launch attacks on Thai military frontliners located well within the Thai border. In response, Thailand exercised its right

to self-defense in a proportionate manner.

On the morning of 29 July 2025, Thailand sent letters of protest to the following:

(1) H.E. Mr. Dato Hasan, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Malaysia; (2) Mr. Marco Rubio, U.S. Secretary of State; and (3) H.E. Mr. Wang Yi, Minister of Foreign Affairs of China.

An informal meeting between the Thai First and Second Army Region Commanders and

the Cambodian Region 4 and 5 Commanders was delayed from the initial agreed timeline and finally took place on 29 July 2025 by 10.00 hrs. The commanders of both countries are now in discussions that will hopefully lead to a shared understanding regarding the ceasefire.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs also facilitated a phone call between H.E. Mr. Phumtham Wechayachai, Acting Prime Minister, and H.E. Mr. Anwar Ibrahim, Prime Minister of Malaysia, to affirm that Thailand’s actions remain within its rights under international law.

Thailand will continue to monitor the situation and updates from the Thailand - Cambodia border situation and will act in proportion to developments on the ground.

The Foreign Minister reaffirmed the Thai government’s position, again that Thailand will act in self-defense to protect its sovereignty and territorial integrity accordingly, if required. At the same time, Thailand will continue to focus on the outcomes of the abovementioned Special Meeting so that Thailand and Cambodia can work through established bilateral mechanisms in good faith and towards a peaceful resolution.

https://www.mfa.go.th/en/content/press-briefing-by-fm-29-july-2025-eng