Summary of Weekly Press Briefing

By the Director-General of the Department of Information and MFA Spokesperson

on 23 September 2025 at 14:30 hrs.

MFA Press Conference Room and MFA FB LIVE / TikTok LIVE

1. Situation updates regarding the Thai-Cambodian Border Situation

• On the enforcement of Thai law against Cambodian nationals who encroached on Thai territory to stage protests in Ban Nong Chan and Ban Nong Ya Kaew areas in Sa Kaeo province, Thailand has legitimately applied domestic law to individuals violating it, within Thailand’s sovereign territory. These incidents did not take place in disputed areas, as the Cambodian side had attempted to mislead. Thailand’s actions are in full compliance with the principle of sovereignty – a universally recognized norm.
• On Cambodia’s allegation that Thailand has deliberately distorted maps depicting the geographical features and locations of boundary markers No. 42 and No. 43 as the actual boundary line, Thailand has never asserted that these are maps to establish the official boundary. Discussions on boundary delimitation fall strictly within the mandate of the Joint Boundary Commission (JBC). The infographics displayed by the Thai side are visual aids that prove a simple but powerful point. They merely illustrate that the incidents took place well within the Thai territory, not anywhere near the disputed areas, and were prepared solely for the purpose of public understanding. It does not hold any formal or official status.
• On the accusation that Thailand has violated the MOU 2000 on the Survey and Demarcation of Land Boundary, it is in fact Cambodia that has breached the said MOU by permitting the construction of buildings, facilities, and settlements both in areas subject to overlapping claims and within Thai sovereign territory. Over the past 20 years, Thailand has lodged more than 500 formal protests under the framework of the MOU, yet Cambodia has consistently ignored them and failed to take corrective action.
• On Cambodia’s request for Thailand to cease activities allegedly undermining efforts to de-escalate tensions under the ceasefire agreement, Thailand has faithfully adhered to the ceasefire with the utmost patience and restraint. All of Thailand’s military operations have been conducted to safeguard our sovereignty and territorial integrity, as well as to ensure the safety of the peoples of both nations. By contrast, it is Cambodia that has breached its obligations by instigating, inciting, and orchestrating aggressive protests by Cambodian nationals inside Thai territory - protests that have escalated into unrest and violence against Thai police officers, causing numerous injuries. It was Thai crowd control police, not military forces as alleged by Cambodia, that managed the situation at Ban Nong Ya Kaeo, Sa Kaeo province. This action was carried out in accordance with domestic law and in full conformity with international principles and standards.
• Thailand calls upon Cambodia to cease the expansion of settlements encroaching upon Thai territory, to withdraw its citizens from within Thai sovereign land and to immediately put an end to orchestrating the use of children, women, and monks as protestors in place of officials. Such practices only serve to deepen the divide between the two countries.
• Thailand respects its obligations and has consistently adhered to the framework of the JBC and the ceasefire agreement. Thailand is disappointed that Cambodia continues to distort facts before the international community and its own people. What Thailand asks at this juncture is nothing more than for Cambodia to demonstrate sincerity, through its actions, in resolving these issues - issues which Thailand neither initiated nor derives any benefit from.
• Thailand has undertaken, and will continue to utilize, every opportunity to clarify its position, stance, and the facts concerning the Thai-Cambodian border situation before the international community.
• Thailand is a peace-loving nation, firmly committed to resolving its differences with Cambodia through peaceful means under existing bilateral mechanisms. All of Thailand’s actions are grounded in international law and universally recognized principles. This stands in contrast to Cambodia’s action which, despite professing its intention to address the issues through bilateral mechanisms, has sought to portray itself as a victim in order to internationalize the matter - an approach that reflects a lack of genuine sincerity in resolving the dispute.
• Thailand reiterates that this tension with Cambodia has never been in Thailand’s interest and that Thailand remains genuinely committed to working with Cambodia to find a peaceful resolution together.

2. High-level Meetings and Side Events during the High-level Week of the 80th Session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA80 High-level Week), UN Headquarters, New York

• From 23 to 26 September 2025, the UN will convene high-level meetings and side events during the High-level Week of the 80th Session of the United Nations General Assembly at its Headquarters in New York.
• This annual gathering is significant as it is the largest multilateral forum held annually, and as such, it provides an important platform for (1) leaders to share their vision on key priorities they are advancing in the international arena, as responsible member states of the global community and in support of the multilateral system; and (2) the opportunity for the Thai delegation to meet with high-level representatives of the United Nations and key countries to explain our position on critical topics.
• This year, the President of the General Assembly (PGA) has designated the theme of the 80th Session of the UNGA as “Better together: 80 years and more for peace, development and human rights,” inviting member states to reflect on the benefits and outcomes of a joint drive for peace, development and human rights.
• Thailand’s priorities for this UNGA session include achieving peace and security through a reaffirmation of the UN Charter, the ASEAN Charter, and international law; addressing global economic volatility by joining key conversations on the direction of economic policy and tools; advancing Thailand’s active role in strengthening human security and sustainable development; and protecting and promoting human rights, while adhering to our long-recognized humanitarian tradition. Updates on the Thai delegation's participation in the various meetings will be provided in due course.
• As for the Head of the Thai delegation attending this year’s UNGA, the Ministry is preparing to support the participation of Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul and Foreign Minister Sihasak Phuangketkaew, pending the special session of the Cabinet Meeting on 24 September 2025.

Watch the full session at: https://www.facebook.com/share/v/1CMXDBthEa/?mibextid=wwXIfr