Summary of Weekly Press Briefing

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

On 20 August 2025 at 16:30 hrs.

MFA Press Conference Room and MFA FB LIVE / Tik Tok LIVE

1. Thailand - Cambodia Border Situation
   
   1.1. Field visit by the Interim Observer Team (IOT)
   
   

• On 18 - 20 August 2025, the Interim Observer Team (IOT) participated in a field visit, which covered 3 provinces—Ubon Ratchathani, Si Sa Ket, and Surin. The IOT delegation comprises military attachés from 8 countries, namely Malaysia, Brunei, Lao PDR, Indonesia, Myanmar, the Philippines, Singapore and Vietnam. The Royal Thai Armed Forces organized a comprehensive program to provide the IOT with firsthand information regarding Cambodia’s violations of the ceasefire agreement, and its obstruction of the demining operations being conducted by the Thailand Mine Action Center (TMAC).

• The delegation (1) observed the areas of Chong An Ma, Kritsana Military Base, and Chong Chub Tamok to inspect actual sites where Thai soldiers stepped on landmines; (2) witnessed humanitarian demining operations at the Prapsuek Military Base; (3) visited Pha Mo E Dang, which was one of the key locations of armed clashes; (4) visited the detention facility where 18 Cambodian prisoners of war are detained; and (5) visited the Phanom Dong Rak Hospital, which has been affected by Cambodia’s indiscriminate attacks.

• During the visit at the Chong An Ma area, some Cambodian soldiers attempted to obstruct the IOT and the media from their observation. Thailand wishes to express its strong disappointment over this incident, which reflects Cambodia’s insincerity in complying with the ceasefire agreement.

• Thailand fervently hopes that this field visit will allow the IOT to witness verifiable and un-staged evidence firsthand, demonstrating our transparency and commitment to strictly adhering to the ceasefire agreement. This stands in contrast to the Cambodian side, which has persistently staged events and disseminated disinformation all along.
  
  1.2. The use of bilateral and multilateral mechanisms
  
  

• Thailand reaffirms its commitment to resolving issues with Cambodia peacefully through existing bilateral mechanisms, including the Regional Border Committee (RBC), the General Border Committee (GBC), and the Joint Boundary Commission (JBC).

• On 15 - 16 August 2025, Thailand's Chanthaburi and Trat Border Defense Command and Cambodia's 3^rd Military Region convened an Extraordinary RBC Meeting in Trat Province. However, it is unfortunate that Cambodia continues to refuse to discuss 2 major issues raised by Thailand: (1) mine clearance, and (2) online scams.

• Thailand stands ready to participate in meetings under existing bilateral platforms, including the RBC scheduled for this week and next as well as the GBC scheduled for next month. Thailand will continue to push for cooperation in mine clearance, which remains an urgent matter, and hopes that Cambodia will participate in the meeting with sincerity and in good faith.

• On the multilateral front, the Thai government has fully and consistently taken actions against Cambodia concerning the use of anti-personnel landmines. Following incidents in which Thai soldiers were injured by landmines planted by Cambodia, Thailand has already sent 4 letters of protest addressed to the President-Designate of the 22^nd Meeting of the States Parties to the Ottawa Convention.

• On 30 July 2025, the Thai Ambassador and Permanent Representative to the United Nations in Geneva met with the Committee on Cooperative Compliance of the Ottawa Convention to present the information and evidence concerning Cambodia’s violations of the Convention. A follow-up meeting with the Committee is scheduled for 22 August to present additional facts and evidence related to these incidents, so as to exert pressure on Cambodia to fulfill its obligations as a responsible State Party to the Ottawa Convention.

• On 19 August 2025, the Royal Thai Armed Forces reported photos and video clips containing images of Cambodian soldiers laying PMN-2 landmines in Thai territory. These will form part of the information and evidence Thailand has been sending to the Permanent Mission of Thailand in Geneva to proceed with under the framework of the Ottawa Convention.

• Cambodia’s constructive role and commitment in past mine clearance efforts, which Cambodia often cites, may be commendable. However, they do not and have not guaranteed that Cambodia will refrain from using anti-personnel mines again in the future. This is evident from Cambodia’s recent behavior in planting landmines within Thai territory. It reflects Cambodia’s insincerity, and this is regrettable.
  
  1.3. Disinformation campaign by Cambodia, including on the case of the Ban Nong Chan area, Sa Kaeo Province
  
  

• Thailand continues to witness the relentless disinformation campaign carried out by Cambodia and urges the public to exercise discretion in consuming news and information in order to prevent misunderstanding.

• The latest example is the allegation that the Thai side installed barbed wire within Cambodia’s territory, in the Ban Nong Chan area, Sa Kaeo Province. The Royal Thai Army has issued a clarification on this matter, and the Ministry has also released a statement in support.

• The Ban Nong Chan area originally served as a temporary shelter for Cambodians fleeing combat in the past but has expanded over the years despite continuous protests by Thailand due to its encroachment on Thai territory. This is also in violation of the MOU 2000 between Thailand and Cambodia.

• Thailand has exercised utmost restraint over numerous years and has committed to mature and neighborly conduct. On the contrary, Cambodia has taken advantage of Thailand's humanitarian tradition and history of hosting and assisting this Cambodian group and has utilized her people to encroach on Thai territory, which is illegal, unwarranted, and incendiary. This not only reflects the insincerity but also the true and malicious intention of the Cambodian side.

• The installation of barbed wire within Thai territory is intended to protect Thailand’s sovereignty and territorial integrity and the safety of the Thai people, as well as to prevent further encroachment and infiltration attempts to place more landmines by the Cambodian side. All of this is in line with the outcomes of the recent Extraordinary GBC Meeting in Malaysia, which affirmed that both sides will not enhance military infrastructure or fortifications beyond their own side.

• In this regard, Thailand calls on Cambodia to cease the distortion of facts and to demonstrate its sincerity and good faith in resolving differences through peaceful means. This is essential to prevent the current problem from becoming a conflict between the people of both countries.

2. Minister of Foreign Affairs of Thailand to Pay an Official Visit to Sweden
   
   

• During 24 - 26 August 2025, H.E. Mr. Maris Sangiampongsa, Minister of Foreign Affairs, will pay an official visit to Sweden to announce the elevation of Thailand - Sweden relations to a Strategic Partnership.

• On 26 August 2025, the Foreign Minister will have a discussion with H.E. Ms. Maria Malmer Stenergard, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Sweden. Both sides will sign the Thailand - Sweden Strategic Partnership, which is the key objective of this visit, namely the elevation of bilateral relations to a Strategic Partnership. It demonstrates political commitment from both sides in promoting and advancing cooperation in areas of mutual interest. These include establishing a mechanism for strategic bilateral political dialogue, trade, investment, defense cooperation, as well as the green transition, innovation, education, and the promotion of people-to-people relations. Sweden will be the second country in Europe with Strategic Partnership relations with Thailand, following the United Kingdom.

• In addition, the Foreign Minister will also meet with leading representatives from Sweden’s private sector and academia to boost confidence in Thailand’s economic and investment policies, as well as to promote cooperation in green technology and innovation.

3. The 20th Asia Cooperation Dialogue (ACD) Ministerial Meeting and related meetings
   
   

• Thailand is the Chair of the 2025 Asia Cooperation Dialogue (ACD) under the theme "Fostering Asia's Sustainable Growth and Future through Innovation,” prioritizing the strengthening of ACD cooperation across key sectors, including sustainable development, finance, digital transformation, tourism, and education.

• During 1 - 3 September 2025, Thailand will host the 20th ACD Ministerial Meeting and related meetings at the Queen Sirikit National Convention Center to discuss important issues related to the future of ACD and ways to enhance cooperation between member states, including the transformation of the ACD into a regional organization. This meeting is built on the first and second Senior Officials’ Meetings hosted by Thailand on 6 February and 18 June 2025.

• The Senior Officials’ Meeting will be held on 1 September 2025. The ACD High-level Conference on Global Fiscal and Financial Architecture, initiated by Thailand, will be held on 2 September 2025, featuring 3 panel discussions: (1) fiscal and financial sustainability; (2) safe and inclusive digital finance; and (3) financing the SDGs. Lastly, the 20th ACD Ministerial Meeting will be held on 3 September 2025.

• The ACD was inaugurated by Thailand in 2002 as a pan-Asia cooperation and policy dialogue forum, aiming to promote understanding, mutual trust, and mutual interest among Asian countries, as well as to find common solutions to global challenges. It currently comprises 35 member states.

4. The 11th “Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn” Lecture on International Humanitarian Law (IHL)
   
   

• On 18 August 2025, the Ministry together with the Thai Red Cross Society co-organized the 11th “Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn” Lecture on International Humanitarian Law (IHL). Her Royal Highness Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn has been graciously attending the Lecture series since its first inception in 2003.

• The lecture was aimed at providing the public with insights into the principles of international humanitarian law and humanitarian operations. It was also part of Thailand’s implementation of 1 of the 8 pledges announced at the 34th International Conference of the Red Cross and Red Crescent, held in October 2024 in Geneva, to promote and disseminate the recognition and respect for international humanitarian law. It reaffirms Thailand’s humanitarian role both at national and international levels.

• This 11^th Lecture featured a lecture by Ms. Mirjana Spoljaric Egger, President of the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), titled “Upholding Humanity in Contemporary Warfare.” She emphasized the urgent need to raise awareness of and ensure respect for international humanitarian law. She notably warned of the growing trend of the “weaponization of information,” calling on all parties to uphold the fundamental principles of humanity in times of war and to respect the international order, grounded in the rule of law.

• For Thailand, this topic is very timely and a matter of utmost importance, as the country is currently suffering consequences from violations of international humanitarian law and being attacked by Cambodia’s dissemination of disinformation.

• In addition, in his report to Her Royal Highness, H.E. Mr. Maris Sangiampongsa, Minister of Foreign Affairs, underlined that this Lecture reflects Thailand’s collective commitment that even in the gravest moments of armed conflict, international humanitarian law must be upheld. He also highlighted the Ministry’s 150-year legacy of choosing the path of negotiation, turning tension into understanding and transforming hostility into cooperation. Because lasting peace is not built on the battlefield but at the negotiating table, and only when it removes the need for arms can diplomacy prove its worth.

Watch the full session at: https://www.facebook.com/share/v/16wA2Go7re/?mibextid=wwXIfr