The Joint Press Center on the Thailand–Cambodia Border Situation on 2 January 2026 at 12.00 hr clarified a recent foreign media report, which described Thailand’s actions as the use of force to “seize territories” from Cambodia and preventing Cambodian nationals from “returning to their homes.”

It pointed out that such wording does not accurately reflect the facts or the applicable legal context.

The Joint Press Center stated, “Thailand reaffirms that all actions undertaken by the Thai authorities have occurred within Thailand’s sovereign territory and/or in areas close to where claims overlap and remain legally disputed, pending resolution through bilateral mechanisms and international law. These actions do not constitute aggression or occupation of another state’s territory.

“Thailand’s measures have been guided by the following objectives:

    •   Protection of civilian safety;

   •   Defense of sovereignty and territorial integrity;

    •   De-escalation of tensions and prevention of further escalation.

“Thailand remains firmly committed to the Charter of the United Nations, international law, and the principles of necessity and proportionality. Thailand continues to prioritize peaceful means, dialogue, and cooperation with all relevant parties to achieve a sustainable and peaceful outcome.

“The Joint Press Center recognizes the important role of the media and respectfully encourages reporting that is accurate, balanced, and reflective of the legal status of the areas concerned, in order to avoid gross misunderstanding within the international community.

“Thailand stands ready to provide factual information and relevant evidence to media organisations and international partners, in support of transparency and a clear understanding based on the facts and law."