Photo from the Facebook page of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Kingdom of Thailand
Foreign Minister Sihasak Srisuk refuted Cambodia's accusations at the UN, stating they were based on false information and that the conflict stemmed from repeated violations, provocations, and interference in Thailand's internal politics.
On February 24, 2569 Mr. Sihasak Phuangketkaew, Minister of Foreign Affairs Thailand's statement during the High-Level Meeting of the 61st Session of the United Nations Human Rights Council at the Assembly Hall, Palais des Nations, United Nations Headquarters, Geneva.
The Minister of Foreign Affairs began his statement by recalling his time as President of the United Nations Human Rights Council more than 10 years ago, a crucial period during which the Council reviewed its work, and emphasized that in the current times of challenge for the multilateral system, countries must cooperate to ensure the success and effectiveness of the Council.
Furthermore, the Minister viewed cross-border internet fraud as a global human rights crisis stemming from the lack of the rule of law in the countries where these criminal networks operate. Thailand is directly affected and is at the forefront of international efforts to address the problem, and will continue international cooperation to tackle these criminal networks.
The Thai Foreign Minister responded to the Cambodian Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister's remarks implicating Thailand in the border dispute between Thailand and Cambodia during a high-level meeting statement on the same day, stating that Cambodia's accusations against Thailand were based on false statements and distorted rhetoric to portray Thailand as the villain.
The root causes of the conflict between Thailand and Cambodia stem from repeated violations and provocations, as well as Cambodian interference in Thailand's internal politics. This resulted in heightened tensions leading to indiscriminate attacks and civilian casualties, a tragic decline in relations between the two neighboring countries.
The Minister of Foreign Affairs also stated that, historically, Thailand has always had goodwill towards Cambodia, providing refuge to those fleeing conflict and offering humanitarian assistance, as well as participating in the country's reconstruction after the Cambodian civil war. Thailand has never intended to confront Cambodia, understanding that Thailand's peace is inseparable from Cambodia's peace.
And with both sides now having a ceasefire agreement, instead of working together to build trust and move forward as good neighbors, Cambodia is turning the problem between the two countries into an international issue, which undermines the chances for peace.
Regarding the accusation that Thailand has occupied Cambodian territory, the fact is that both sides negotiated and agreed to maintain their forces at their original positions during the ceasefire agreement while awaiting discussions to resolve the issue. To this day, Cambodia continues to provoke, Thai soldiers continue to face landmines, and Cambodia continues to fire across the border into Thai territory even today.
Thailand reiterates its commitment to negotiations, but at the same time, it has a duty to unconditionally protect its sovereignty and territorial integrity. Therefore, it questions the Cambodian side: does it choose the path of peace or the path of continued tension and conflict?
Read all news related to the situation around ASEAN here.
