Thai Foreign Minister Accuses Cambodia of Border Provocations at UN
Sihasak warns of troop incursions, shelling and drone flights; calls for mutual sincerity in fragile ceasefire
Thailand’s newly appointed foreign minister delivered a forceful address to the United Nations General Assembly, accusing Cambodia of escalating border tensions through cross-border fire and drone incursions, while affirming Thailand’s commitment to peace and multilateral engagement.
In his remarks, Sihasak noted that he had revised portions of his speech following what he characterized as “distorted” statements by his Cambodian counterpart earlier in the Assembly debate.
He portrayed Thailand as the aggrieved party, recounting that Thai soldiers have suffered severe injuries from landmines, schools near the frontier have come under shelling, and civilians have been targeted by Cambodian rocket fire.
He specifically charged that since September 23, Cambodian forces have repeatedly violated the ceasefire—signed under Malaysian mediation in July—by firing across the border and sending surveillance drones into Thai territory.
He said a new incident had occurred as recently as Saturday.
While he acknowledged that the ceasefire remains fragile, he contended that restoring peace demands “commitment and sincere actions from both sides”.
Sihasak asserted that some villages referred to by Cambodia’s officials are entirely within Thai territory, and accused Phnom Penh of ignoring repeated Thai protests over encroachment.
At the same time, he underscored Thailand’s broader diplomatic posture: asserting its ongoing role in reinforcing the United Nations’ mandate for peace, development and human rights and praising ASEAN’s importance as a regional stabilizer.
He cited Thailand’s humanitarian record, pointing to the country’s clearance of 99 percent of mine-contaminated lands and its continued assistance to displaced persons from Myanmar.
He also linked peace and prosperity to human rights, development and reform of global institutions, particularly pushing for a more representative and accountable Security Council.
As Chair of the UN General Assembly’s Third Committee and a newly elected member of the UN Human Rights Council, he pledged renewed Thai engagement on women’s participation, disability rights, and universal health coverage.
Sihasak concluded by welcoming dialogue, trust and good faith as the only sustainable path forward, insisting that while Thailand “chooses the path of peace,” it will also defend its sovereignty.
He questioned whether Cambodia shares that same genuine intention to resolve disputes peacefully.
The address comes amid rising tension between the two countries.
In past days, the Thai foreign minister had already called publicly for mutual troop reductions along the shared border, reaffirming commitments made under the July ceasefire.
Observers note that Sihasak’s forceful language at the UNGA signals Bangkok’s resolve not to yield on territorial integrity while still projecting a constructive diplomatic posture.
In his remarks, Sihasak noted that he had revised portions of his speech following what he characterized as “distorted” statements by his Cambodian counterpart earlier in the Assembly debate.
He portrayed Thailand as the aggrieved party, recounting that Thai soldiers have suffered severe injuries from landmines, schools near the frontier have come under shelling, and civilians have been targeted by Cambodian rocket fire.
He specifically charged that since September 23, Cambodian forces have repeatedly violated the ceasefire—signed under Malaysian mediation in July—by firing across the border and sending surveillance drones into Thai territory.
He said a new incident had occurred as recently as Saturday.
While he acknowledged that the ceasefire remains fragile, he contended that restoring peace demands “commitment and sincere actions from both sides”.
Sihasak asserted that some villages referred to by Cambodia’s officials are entirely within Thai territory, and accused Phnom Penh of ignoring repeated Thai protests over encroachment.
At the same time, he underscored Thailand’s broader diplomatic posture: asserting its ongoing role in reinforcing the United Nations’ mandate for peace, development and human rights and praising ASEAN’s importance as a regional stabilizer.
He cited Thailand’s humanitarian record, pointing to the country’s clearance of 99 percent of mine-contaminated lands and its continued assistance to displaced persons from Myanmar.
He also linked peace and prosperity to human rights, development and reform of global institutions, particularly pushing for a more representative and accountable Security Council.
As Chair of the UN General Assembly’s Third Committee and a newly elected member of the UN Human Rights Council, he pledged renewed Thai engagement on women’s participation, disability rights, and universal health coverage.
Sihasak concluded by welcoming dialogue, trust and good faith as the only sustainable path forward, insisting that while Thailand “chooses the path of peace,” it will also defend its sovereignty.
He questioned whether Cambodia shares that same genuine intention to resolve disputes peacefully.
The address comes amid rising tension between the two countries.
In past days, the Thai foreign minister had already called publicly for mutual troop reductions along the shared border, reaffirming commitments made under the July ceasefire.
Observers note that Sihasak’s forceful language at the UNGA signals Bangkok’s resolve not to yield on territorial integrity while still projecting a constructive diplomatic posture.
