Minister of Foreign Affairs Maris Sangiampongsa has underscored Thailand’s position on the current situation along the Thai-Cambodian border and Thailand’s approach to de-escalating recent tensions between the two countries.

The Minister of Foreign Affairs, together with Mr. Benjamin Sukanjanajtee, Director-General of the Department of Treaties and Legal Affairs, gave an interview on the Thai-Cambodian border situation with the “NBT Mi Thang Ok" (NBT Has Solutions) program, broadcast on the National Broadcasting Services of Thailand on 2 July 2025. 

Details of the interview are as follows:

Following the clash between Thai and Cambodian soldiers at Chong Bok, Ubon Ratchathani Province, on 28 May 2025, the Thai side sent a letter of protest to the Cambodian side, emphasizing that Thailand’s actions were undertaken in self-defense and to protect national sovereignty, in an appropriate and proportionate manner and in accordance with the United Nations Charter and international law.

The situation has since de-escalated, with no further clashes reported, and both sides have re-deployed their troops to reduce the risk of confrontation. One key development was the convening of the sixth meeting of the Thai-Cambodian Joint Boundary Commission (JBC) on 14-15 June 2025, which marked a significant step forward in advancing a framework for the technical staff of both sides to jointly conduct surveys and land demarcation. This demonstrates that bilateral mechanisms, such as this one, is still effective and can make progress for the parties.

Thailand remains committed to resolving boundary issues with Cambodia through various bilateral mechanisms. Furthermore, under the framework of the MOU on the Survey and Demarcation of the Land Boundary of 2000 (MOU2000), this is a legally binding treaty that both parties must adhere to. This MOU clearly requests both sides to settle differences peacefully through dialogue. In this regard, Thailand is resolute in negotiating with Cambodia with sincerity and in good faith, and in the spirit of good neighborliness. In addition, the MOU 2000 serves an important framework and a universal working model for both sides to operate with.

Thailand has not accepted the compulsory jurisdiction of the International Court of Justice (ICJ) since 1960, a fact which the Cambodian side is fully aware of. According to the Charter of the United Nations and international norms and practices, the two parties concerned are encouraged to engage in discussions to resolve the issue, which is bilateral in nature, since third-party involvement would not yield a sustainable solution.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs is of the view that recent comments made by senior government officials of Cambodia on social media platforms amount to interference in Thailand’s internal affairs and constitute a serious violation of the ASEAN Charter, the Charter of the United Nations, and international law. This could seriously undermine Thailand-Cambodia relations. Therefore, Thailand urges the Cambodian side to refrain from such actions and to resolve any issues between the two countries bilaterally and through peaceful means. The ministry only uses official channels to communicate with the international community, not via social media, as this would make it more conducive for discussions on addressing the issues.

The primary objective of the Government is to safeguard Thailand’s territorial integrity while avoiding any losses, and to promote peace and security along the border areas, so that the local communities along the border can continue to live their lives in peace and normalcy.