Summary of the Weekly Press Briefing
by the Ambassador of Thailand to France
on 20 January 2026 at 16:00 hrs.
MFA Press Conference Room

1. Latest Developments on the Thailand - Cambodia border situation

• Thailand has strictly and sincerely abided by the Joint Statement signed on 27 December 2025. However, Thailand observes that the Cambodian side continues to violate the Joint Statement on a regular basis, particularly through provocative actions, both militarily and rhetorically. For instance, a Cambodian minister-level representative recently expressed views on Thailand’s forthcoming election in a manner that constituted interference in Thailand’s internal affairs. Such action is inconsistent with paragraph 6 of the Joint Statement, which stipulates that both sides agree not to undertake provocative actions that may escalate tensions.
• Most recently, an article appeared in Cambodian media in which a Cambodian senator wrote an open letter with reference to the Thai Monarchy in the context of the Thailand - Cambodia situation.
• In response, H.E. Mr. Sihasak Phuangketkeow, Minister of Foreign Affairs, has instructed the Ministry to immediately clarify this issue for correct understanding, as follows:
  (1) Thailand views the mentioned article as unacceptable and highly inappropriate.
  (2) Both Thailand and Cambodia are Constitutional Monarchies with a King as Head of State and the Monarchy above politics. The Cambodian side, especially its high-level representatives, including the writer of this article, should be well aware of this fact. Drawing the Monarchy into the issue between the two Governments is uncalled for and therefore highly inappropriate.
  (3) This case constitutes yet another example of interference in Thailand’s internal affairs by Cambodia. Such conduct is inappropriate, undermines conduct between States, violates the ASEAN Charter, and runs counter to the spirit of the Joint Statement, particularly paragraph 6.
  (4) In this regard, Thailand calls upon Cambodia to ensure that individuals holding official positions within the Cambodian Government and Parliament use their judgment and cease all forms of provocative statements. Cambodia should demonstrate good faith and sincerity in upholding the Joint Statement, in order to create a conducive environment for both countries to work towards rebuilding trust. This is a hard-won outcome of intensive negotiations between the two sides.

• The Ministry has already lodged a formal protest to the Cambodian Government and the concerned Cambodian media. Thailand and Cambodia have multiple channels of communication. The Joint Statement itself stipulates that both sides shall maintain regular and direct lines of communication between their Ministers of Defence and Chiefs of Defence Forces, and that official media teams from both sides shall be established for direct communication.
• Following Cambodia’s various political crises, Thailand, as a close neighbor, has always demonstrated goodwill by providing assistance, both humanitarian and in support of Cambodia’s national rehabilitation and reconstruction in various dimensions. Thailand hopes to see Cambodia’s reciprocity of sincerity by fostering an atmosphere conducive to the restoration of good relations for the benefit and well-being of both nations and their peoples.

2. Foreign Minister attends the World Economic Forum Annual Meeting 2026 in Davos, Swiss Confederation

• On 20 - 22 January 2026, H.E. Mr. Sihasak Phuangketkeow, Minister of Foreign Affairs, will be participating in the World Economic Forum (WEF) Annual Meeting 2026 as part of the Thai delegation in Davos, Swiss Confederation. The delegation will be led by H.E. Mr. Ekniti Nitithanprapas, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance, and will also include H.E. Mrs. Suphajee Suthumpun, Minister of Commerce.
• Thailand’s participation in the WEF is focused on creating opportunities and building confidence. In this regard, the Foreign Minister will leverage the WEF Meeting to connect the Thai private sector with global business networks to expand cooperation in trade, investment, innovation, and future industries, such as smart agriculture, EVs, medical services, and AI, alongside promoting sustainable and environmentally responsible investment.
• The Foreign Minister will also highlight Thailand’s leadership and strengths in key areas, including digital economy, green transition, and efforts to address the issue of forced labour. In addition, the Foreign Minister will express Thailand’s readiness to host the IMF - World Bank Group Annual Meetings 2026 in Bangkok in October 2026, underlining Thailand’s role as a hub for economic and financial activities and multilateral cooperation in the Asia-Pacific region.
• On the sidelines of the WEF, the Foreign Minister is scheduled to hold bilateral discussions with country leaders and executives of leading global companies, as well as leading global media, to further expand trade and investment opportunities. He will also use the WEF platform to drive international cooperation against online fraud and scams, building on the momentum of the International Conference on the Global Partnership against Online Scams, which Thailand hosted in December 2025.

3. Foreign Minister to attend the ASEAN Foreign Ministers’ Meeting (AMM) Retreat in Cebu, the Philippines

• On 28 - 29 January 2026, the Foreign Minister is scheduled to attend the ASEAN Foreign Ministers’ (AMM) Retreat in Cebu City, the Philippines.
• The AMM Retreat is the first ASEAN foreign ministers’ meeting of the year under the Philippines’ ASEAN Chairmanship, convened to jointly set the direction for ASEAN’s work throughout 2026 under the theme “Navigating Our Future, Together.”
• It will also be an opportunity to exchange views on international and regional developments affecting ASEAN. The Philippines will also hold an Extended Informal Consultation on the Implementation of the Five-Point Consensus.
• Thailand expressed its readiness to support the Philippines’ ASEAN Chairmanship, particularly on key issues and deliverables. Thailand will also advance key issues, including combating online scams and advancing sustainability.

Watch the full session at: https://fb.watch/EL5Q_5qfEM/