Minister of Foreign Affairs Sihasak Phuangketkeow on 23 February 2026 provided comprehensive information on the Thai-Cambodian border situation to Mr. Khaled Ahmed El-Enany Ali Ezz, Director-General of the United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), at UNESCO Headquarters during his visit to Paris and Geneva on 23-24 February.

This marked the first official meeting between the two sides since both assumed their respective positions, according to a report from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

The Minister congratulated the Director-General on his appointment and extended an official invitation to visit Thailand. Both sides exchanged views on geopolitical challenges and their implications for the multilateral system, as well as on UNESCO’s management and reform efforts. 

The Thai side also briefed the Director-General on recent developments along the Thai-Cambodian border in the context of the World Heritage Convention, and discussed Thailand’s proposal to inscribe “Chud Thai” (Thai National Costume) on the Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity in 2026. For his part, the Director-General shared his policy perspectives and management vision for the UNESCO and sought factual information regarding the Thai-Cambodian border situation. 

Thailand has been a member of UNESCO since 1 January 1949 and has played an active role in the Organization, notably hosting the UNESCO Regional Office in Bangkok in 1961. Thailand is currently home to eight World Heritage sites and six elements inscribed on the Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity, reflecting the country’s strong cooperation with UNESCO and its continued commitment to safeguarding and promoting cultural heritage within the multilateral framework.

On the same day, Foreign Minister Sihasak gave an exclusive one-on-one (tête-à-tête) interview to France 24, a renowned French television network. The interview covered the Thailand-Cambodia border situation, as well as the latest political developments in Myanmar. The Minister elaborated comprehensively on Thailand’s position and policy approach toward these key issues.