A news update from The Government Public Relations Department has been released on July 31, 2025 that gives a summary of the press briefing on the Thailand – Cambodia border situation. This conflict has been of great concern to many and has shaken the Isan region deeply.
The Minister of Foreign Affairs Maris Sangiampongsa states that “Following the armed clash between Thai and Cambodian soldiers at the Chong Bok area, Ubon Ratchathani Province, on 28 May 2025, Thailand spared no effort in exercising its inherent right to self-defense to protect Thai sovereignty and territorial integrity and ensure the safety of our people, in accordance with the Charter of the United Nations and international law.”
Following this Sangiampongsa states that, The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has been consistent in conveying the facts to the international community. This is crucial for Thailand to maintain their position as the defender in this situation. Many countries are in discussions with the Thai Foreign Minister, and overall, “these endeavors received a positive response from the international community.”
Conversely, “Cambodia’s efforts to internationalize the border situation issue have not been successful. Cambodian credibility has been eroded due to its dissemination of distorted information and the lack of good faith in its conduct at the United Nations.” Without international support, the threat that Cambodia poses is greatly reduced. However, without a doubt they still pose a threat.
“The Ministry of Foreign Affairs expresses its deepest condolences for the loss of lives of the Thai soldiers and extends its profound gratitude to all Thai soldiers for the bravery in fulfilling their duties with honor, which led to the safeguarding areas under Thailand’s sovereignty.” These brave soldiers were remembered as well as the innocent civilians who lost their lives in these brutal and unwarranted attacks.
“The bilateral discussion between Thailand and Cambodia, hosted by Malaysia with the participation of the United States and China as witnesses, has successfully led to the ceasefire agreement. This achievement reflects Thailand’s ability to bring Cambodia back to the negotiating table once again.” However, it is obvious that any trust between the two countries has been shattered. Thais must feel that Cambodia should be punished in someway for their needless aggressions and attacking of civilians leading to deaths. These are war crimes and can not be forgotten easily.
The international community must help in these negotiations to ensure that Cambodia is punished and strongly discouraged from committing these ruthless and unwarranted attacks again. If they do not punish Cambodia strongly, then according to Game Theory, they will attack again. A severe punishment is required to keep future peace.
“Thailand welcomes the recent informal meetings between the Thai and Cambodian regional commanders, under the Regional Border Committee (RBC) framework, on 29 July 2025. We hope that the upcoming General Border Committee (GBC) meeting will further contribute to de-escalating the current tensions. We also look forward to Cambodia’s participation in the upcoming Joint Boundary Commission (JBC) meeting, to be hosted by Thailand in September this year, to which Cambodia has already confirmed to attend.” Hopefully these meetings can bring about some kind of clarity to the situation for the two parties.
“On 1 August 2568, Thailand will take foreign defense attachés based in Thailand, as well as members of the Thai and foreign media, to a site visit to observe and assess the impact of the recent clashes in the border area. This is to ensure that they gain a thorough understanding of the situation on the ground and the damage caused by Cambodian forces.” To make sure that the facts do not get twisted, Thailand has assembled these members to observe the damage done.
Thailand will use this opportunity to continue to declare their side of the story, as this will help them continue to defend their innocence in this clash. It will also help condemn Cambodia for their attacks. All of which is important in the game of international military support.
“Regarding the case of 20 Cambodian soldiers detained by the Thai Army, they will be provided with appropriate care and treatment in accordance with military practice, international standards, and humanitarian principles, including the Third Geneva Convention.”
“Amidst the information warfare, disinformation and misinformation campaign carried out by the Cambodian side, the Thai people are called to stand united and rest assured that the Thai government will do its utmost to protect Thailand’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, as well as to safeguard the rights and safety of its citizens. This has always been the government’s top priority.” With that the summary of the briefing is over.
It is clear that Thailand is doing everything in their power to defend themselves in this conflict and ensure the safety of Thai citizens. It is also obvious that they are being extra precautious about declaring their innocence in the conflict because of the disinformation campaign from Cambodia. The Thai government wants to make it clear to the international community that they are merely protecting themselves from Cambodia who is the aggressor. Hopefully, this proactiveness will help gain the international communities support in this conflict.
Currently, the ceasefire agreement is holding strong. This is important as it stops the violence and allows the two countries to discuss the conflict diplomatically. However, since Cambodia is confirmed to be the aggressor it is unknown whether they will seek a peace agreement in these discussions or not. It is also unknown what kind of punishment might be suitable for their aggression and humanitarian war crimes.
We will continue to cover this conflict and our previous coverage of the Thailand – Cambodia border situation can be found here,
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