Thailand’s Minister of Foreign Affairs Sihasak Phuangketkeow delivered Thailand’s statement at the High-Level Segment of the 61st Session of the United Nations Human Rights Council at the Assembly Hall, Palais des Nations, UN Headquarters in Geneva.

The Minister highlighted that transnational online scams are a global human rights crisis. He stated that Thailand will continue to advance global cooperation to dismantle these criminal networks, as the country stands both on the front line of impact and at the forefront of international efforts to address this scourge.

On the Thailand-Cambodia Border Situation, the Minister highlighted that:

1) Cambodia has demonized Thailand through false accusations and distorted narratives. The conflict between Thailand and Cambodia occurred following years of encroachments and repeated provocations, including interference in Thai politics by Cambodia, resulting in indiscriminate attacks and civilian deaths.

2) Thailand had nothing but good intentions for Cambodia, by providing refuge to those fleeing conflict and supporting humanitarian assistance and reconstruction following Cambodia’s civil war. It has never wanted confrontation as it understands that the country’s peace is inseparable from Cambodia’s peace, but Cambodia continues to internationalize the issue, undermining the prospect for peace instead of working together to rebuild trust and move forward as good neighbors.

3) Thailand refuted Cambodia’s allegation, stating that Thailand is seizing territory. Both sides have negotiated and agreed that troops are to remain where they are at the time of the ceasefire, pending final resolution through dialogue. However, Cambodia still continues to provoke, Thai soldiers continue to encounter landmines, and shots are still fired across borders even today.

At the end, the Minister emphasized that while Thailand remains committed to dialogue, it is also its duty to protect sovereignty and territorial integrity at all costs. He then questioned whether Cambodia wishes to choose the path of peace or the path of continued tensions and conflict.