Mr. Nikorndej Balankura, Ambassador of Thailand to France, on 20 January 2026 at 16.00 hr provided a summary of the weekly press briefing on latest developments on the Thailand-Cambodia border situation, as follows:

• Thailand has strictly and sincerely abided by the Joint Statement signed on 27 December 2025. However, Thailand observes that the Cambodian side continues to violate the Joint Statement on a regular basis, particularly through provocative actions, both militarily and rhetorically. For instance, a Cambodian minister-level representative recently expressed views on Thailand’s forthcoming election in a manner that constituted interference in Thailand’s internal affairs. Such action is inconsistent with paragraph 6 of the Joint Statement, which stipulates that both sides agree not to undertake provocative actions that may escalate tensions.

• Most recently, an article appeared in Cambodian media in which a Cambodian senator wrote an open letter with reference to the Thai Monarchy in the context of the Thailand-Cambodia situation.

• In response, H.E. Mr. Sihasak Phuangketkeow, Minister of Foreign Affairs, has instructed the Ministry to immediately clarify this issue for correct understanding, as follows:

(1) Thailand views the mentioned article as unacceptable and highly inappropriate.

(2) Both Thailand and Cambodia are Constitutional Monarchies with a King as Head of State and the Monarchy above politics. The Cambodian side, especially its high-level representatives, including the writer of this article, should be well aware of this fact. Drawing the Monarchy into the issue between the two Governments is uncalled for and therefore highly inappropriate.

(3) This case constitutes yet another example of interference in Thailand’s internal affairs by Cambodia. Such conduct is inappropriate, undermines conduct between States, violates the ASEAN Charter, and runs counter to the spirit of the Joint Statement, particularly paragraph 6.

(4) In this regard, Thailand calls upon Cambodia to ensure that individuals holding official positions within the Cambodian Government and Parliament use their judgment and cease all forms of provocative statements. Cambodia should demonstrate good faith and sincerity in upholding the Joint Statement, in order to create a conducive environment for both countries to work towards rebuilding trust. This is a hard-won outcome of intensive negotiations between the two sides.

• The Ministry has already lodged a formal protest to the Cambodian Government and the concerned Cambodian media. Thailand and Cambodia have multiple channels of communication. The Joint Statement itself stipulates that both sides shall maintain regular and direct lines of communication between their Ministers of Defense and Chiefs of Defense Forces, and that official media teams from both sides shall be established for direct communication.

• Following Cambodia’s various political crises, Thailand, as a close neighbor, has always demonstrated goodwill by providing assistance, both humanitarian and in support of Cambodia’s national rehabilitation and reconstruction in various dimensions. Thailand hopes to see Cambodia’s reciprocity of sincerity by fostering an atmosphere conducive to the restoration of good relations for the benefit and well-being of both nations and their peoples.