Mr. Nikorndej Balankura, Director-General of the Department of Information and Spokesperson of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, provided a summary of the weekly press briefing on 19 November 2025 at 11.00 hr. Concerning the Thailand-Cambodia border situation, Mr. Nikorndej touched on the following issues:

1. Briefing for Defence Attachés Accredited to Thailand

1.1 Site visits by the ASEAN Observer Team (AOT)

• On 14 November 2025, the AOT made site visits to the areas of Huai Thamariya, Si Sa Ket Province, and Ban Nong Ya Kaew, Sa Kaeo Province, and has continued its mission and made further site visits to receive the facts and information from officials operating on the ground, as well as from the affected locals. This demonstrates Thailand’s sincerity and commitment to openness and transparency.

• On 17 November 2025, the AOT visited Chong An Ma, Ubon Ratchathani Province, and Satthasom, Si Sa Ket Province, to inspect the location where Thai soldiers stepped on newly-laid landmines. They also visited an area in Sao Thong Chai Subdistrict, Kantharalak District, Si Sa Ket Province, to observe the location where new landmines were found filled with glue to obstruct de-fusing. This demonstrates the Cambodian side’s ill intent.

• On 18 November 2025, the AOT visited Prasat Khana, Kap Choeng District, Surin Province, to further observe the landmine situation and various violations by the Cambodian side.

1.2 The dissemination of false and distorted information by the Cambodian side

• Fake news previously disseminated by the Cambodian side include allegations (1) that Thailand planted landmines and our soldiers stepped on our own mines, and; (2) that Thailand opened fire in the border area at Ban Nong Ya Kaew. The Cambodian side also circulated fake news regarding a Cambodian national who died from a pre-existing illness, alleging he was one of the detained Cambodian soldiers.

• The Cambodian side continues to use information warfare tactics by systematically spreading false and distorted information.

• There are two additional pieces of fake news currently being propagated by Cambodia, as follows:

(1) Cambodia has alleged that the Thai side was preparing to attack the Thmorda and O Pluk Domrei areas in Pursat Province on 18 November 2025. The Royal Thai Navy has immediately clarified that this information was completely untrue and no clashes actually occurred; and

(2) Cambodia falsely claimed that Thai officials physically assaulted and sexually abused a Cambodian woman, who had illegally entered Thailand, in Chanthaburi Province. Following thorough verification with all relevant agencies, it was confirmed that no such incident occurred as alleged, and there was no such conduct by any Thai military unit. Thailand denies this baseless accusation by the Cambodian side and condemns this attempt to tarnish Thailand’s image in the international arena. This is an orchestrated dissemination of disinformation.

• The operations carried out by Thai officials must strictly adhere to Thai law, human rights principles, and international standards, with full respect for human dignity and without discrimination. Whether individuals are currently facing legal proceedings or have entered the country to work illegally, the Thai side provides shelter, safety, and proper meals before proceeding with the repatriation process. Various line agencies are working together in a systematic manner, thus assuring the public of the unity and transparency in their operations.

• There is a strict standard operating procedure (SOP) in cases involving illegal migrants, which are managed in groups. Not only is there no opportunity to separate anyone from their group, but there are also plenty of witnesses to observe how Thai officials manage the entire repatriation process.

• The Ministry of Foreign Affairs reaffirms Thailand’s commitment to international human rights law and humanitarian principles. Thailand is a State Party to 8 out of 9 core international human rights treaties and has traditionally provided humanitarian assistance to those fleeing conflicts from neighboring countries. Furthermore, Thailand has been entrusted by the international community to serve on the United Nations Human Rights Council for two terms (2010-2013 and currently 2025-2027).

• Thailand’s human rights obligations and commitments are subject to rigorous monitoring through multiple domestic mechanisms, including from government agencies, the National Human Rights Commission of Thailand – which is a fully independent institution – and a free and active civil society. Thailand, therefore, places no value on these unfounded and malicious allegations.

• Amidst this highly sensitive information warfare, the public is urged to exercise caution with the information received and verify information with official sources before sharing it further. Members of the media are requested to thoroughly verify facts before reporting to avoid producing and spreading fake news that could lead to widespread misunderstanding and unintended impact.

1.3 Coordination between Thailand and the U.S.

• Following the phone discussion between H.E. Mr. Anutin Charnvirakul, Prime Minister, and the Honorable Donald J. Trump, U.S. President, on 14 November 2025, the Prime Minister sent another letter to the U.S. President on 18 November 2025, stressing Thailand’s concerns regarding Cambodia’s violations of the Joint Declaration and urging Cambodia not to obstruct Thailand’s demining operations, while calling on Cambodia to demonstrate sincerity in upholding the Joint Declaration and returning to the path of peace.

• Thailand continues to view the Thailand-Cambodia border situation as a security issue, which should be kept separate from the trade negotiations between Thailand and the U.S.

• While the Thai side does not agree with linking these issues, Thailand appreciates the constructive role and approach of the U.S in ensuring Cambodia, who has violated the Joint Declaration, to comply with the Joint Declaration.

• All Thai agencies will continue to exert their utmost efforts to safeguard Thailand’s national interests in every dimension.