Summary of the Press Briefing on the Thailand - Cambodia border situation

By Minister of Foreign Affairs

on 13 December 2025 at 15:00 hrs.

MFA Press Conference Room and MFA FB LIVE / TikTok LIVE

Following the telephone conversation between the Thai Prime Minister and President Donald Trump, and the press briefing on the outcomes of the discussion on the evening of 12 December 2025, and in light of President Donald Trump’s subsequent social media post on the Truth Social platform as well as the latest developments in the situation, Thailand wishes to provide the following additional clarifications:

(1) Thailand appreciates President Donald Trump’s concern regarding the Thailand–Cambodia border situation and for his desire for peace. Thailand, too, seeks peace. However, peace cannot be achieved by one side alone; the other side must also be ready to choose peace.

(2) Thailand is concerned about President Trump’s remarks, which suggest that the U.S. side may not have a full understanding of the situation on the ground, or may have received information from sources that deliberately distorted the facts. In particular, the reference to the incident in which Thai soldiers stepped on landmines as a ‘roadside accident’ is not consistent with the facts. The evidence clearly shows that the laying of landmines— an incident that has occurred not once but on seven occasions—cannot be accidental. These were newly laid landmines by Cambodia, as confirmed by the ASEAN Observers Team.

Today, BM-21 rockets were fired from the Cambodian side into civilian areas in Thailand’s Si Sa Ket province, resulting in serious injuries to civilians. Such an attack is clearly not an accident.

(3) Regarding the ceasefire, the key question lies with Cambodia as to when it is ready. A ceasefire cannot be achieved by mere desire from one side alone; it requires readiness and genuine commitment from all parties. However, the attack on civilian areas by Cambodia earlier this morning does not reflect such readiness and instead follows Cambodia’s repeated pattern in which its commitments and actions do not align, in an apparent attempt to divert attention from the real issues and to gain advantage in the international arena.

Any decision must be based on assessments by security authorities on the ground. Both leaders have tasked their respective Foreign Ministers to continue close communication on this matter. The U.S. Secretary of State has also been informed. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs will also maintain close coordination with the Thai armed forces.

(4) Thailand reiterates that our military operations have not been excessive, but have been conducted in accordance with the principle of proportionality, in response to the military operations of the Cambodian side, and strictly within the bounds of defensive purposes.

(5) Thailand expresses its disappointment with President Trump’s remarks, which have affected the sentiments of the Thai people and Thailand. As the U.S.’ longest-standing treaty ally in Asia and a major Non-NATO Ally, Thailand and the U.S. have stood side by side through many challenges, and to this day our relations are grounded in shared security interests.

(6) Regarding the Cambodian Prime Minister’s proposal to use satellite imageries to establish the facts on the armed clashes, Thailand has no objection to such an approach. Thailand remains firmly committed to transparency and is open to verification. However, any such verification should cover not only the incidents of armed engagement but also the issue of landmines. This is consistent with Thailand’s proposal at the Meeting of the States Parties to the Ottawa Convention earlier this month in Geneva to establish an independent fact-finding mission to seek the facts regarding Cambodia’s recent laying of new landmines.

(7) The threats posed by Cambodia are not limited to border clashes alone, but also extend to other forms of threats, particularly online scams, which are a major driver of human trafficking and have resulted in victims both within and beyond the region. The international community must therefore work together to combat this threat. For our part, Thailand has taken its responsibilities seriously and will co-host the International Conference on the Global Partnership against Online Scams from 17–18 December 2025 in Bangkok.

(8) Thailand appreciates the U.S. for not linking or using the issue of reciprocal tariffs to pressure Thailand, and for facilitating the resumption of the negotiations on this matter at the working level. Thailand’s consistent position is that trade issues and our mutual benefits should not be linked to the border situation.

(9) A matter of grave concern to Thailand is the situation of approximately 6,000–7,000 Thai nationals who remain awaiting return from Poipet. While Thailand has facilitated the departure of Cambodian nationals, the Cambodian side has refused to open the border to allow Thai nationals to return to Thailand. This issue is not part of the conflict, but rather a humanitarian matter.

Thailand deeply regrets that, despite prior discussions in which the Cambodian side indicated that the border would be opened this afternoon, the opening has been postponed indefinitely without any clear reasons. Furthermore, the statement posted by Samdech Hun Sen indicating a suspension of all cross-border travel between Thailand and Cambodia constitutes a violation of principles of human rights and International Humanitarian Law.

(10) Following ASEAN’s proposal to convene a Special Meeting of ASEAN Foreign Ministers’ Meeting, Thailand supports this proposal and is ready to participate in the Meeting. Thailand will take this opportunity to brief our fellow ASEAN Members on the facts, and clarify Thailand’s position in addressing this situation.

Watch the full session at: https://www.facebook.com/share/v/17mtNAtiKQ/