BANGKOK, Thailand – Foreign Minister Maris Sangiampongsa has officially sent letters of protest to ASEAN, the United States, China, and the United Nations, calling out Cambodia’s ceasefire violations, 29 July. He emphasized that Cambodia resumed attacks even after negotiations concluded. Maris reassured the public not to worry, asserting the Thai Ministry of Foreign Affairs is fully committed to protecting Thailand’s sovereignty and territorial integrity. He added that Thailand has acted like a gentleman, and the international community has shown overwhelming support.
Minister Maris addressed the Thai-Cambodian border situation, stating that following armed clashes, Thailand has filed protests under multiple international frameworks—including the Ottawa Convention, Geneva Conventions, international law, and regulations against landmine use and civilian-targeted attacks.
While in New York City, Maris visited the United Nations Security Council (UNSC), where he held talks with high-level U.N. officials and representatives of various countries. He emphasized that Thailand is pursuing peace through restraint and diplomatic channels, even while prioritizing national sovereignty and civilian safety. He reaffirmed Thailand’s commitment to international law, the U.N. Charter, ASEAN agreements, and the principle of regional unity.
Despite efforts at de-escalation, Maris stressed that Cambodia has repeatedly violated Thai sovereignty, forcing Thailand to exercise its right to self-defense.
He also shared that Thailand’s peaceful stance has earned wide respect globally. “Our image as a peace-loving country that won’t tolerate violations of our sovereignty speaks louder than words,” he said. These principles have guided every negotiation, in close collaboration with the military and Deputy Defense Minister Gen. Natthaphon Nakphanich.
He credited Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra, Deputy PM Phumtham Wechayachai, and other officials for their persistent efforts to resolve the conflict peacefully. “Our top priority is minimizing further losses,” he said.
“People don’t need to worry—we are fully protecting Thailand’s sovereignty and territorial integrity,” Maris said, assuring the military was in continuous communication to assess and respond appropriately.
He reiterated that the current ceasefire deal was a success driven by Thailand’s commitment to peace and readiness to enter negotiations under three diplomatic mechanisms. This helped bring ASEAN, the U.S., and China into discussions and pressured Cambodia to return to the table.
Maris revealed he had a phone call earlier that morning with his close friend, the Malaysian Foreign Minister, to explain the situation and inform him of Thailand’s protest. He had already submitted official letters to the ASEAN Chair (currently Malaysia), the U.S., and China, citing Cambodia’s violation of the ceasefire.
He also confirmed that Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim of Malaysia and Deputy PM Phumtham discussed the situation directly, with Indonesia’s president present—adding legitimacy to Thailand’s concerns.
“This is a sensitive issue. We’re doing our best to de-escalate, even if the conflict hasn’t been completely resolved yet,” Maris said.
He urged everyone to recognize the government’s key goals:
- Preserve sovereignty and territorial integrity.
- Resolve the conflict peacefully and in good faith.
When asked whether the talks had weakened Thailand’s standing globally, Maris responded that the world has praised Thailand’s approach. He said that U.S. President Donald J. Trump, during a call after the ceasefire announcement, personally commended Thailand’s peaceful resolution efforts and emphasized that violence should not be used to solve ASEAN disputes. Trump said Thailand’s restraint and diplomatic handling were respected worldwide.
Deputy PM Phumtham also reiterated that the government has pursued a peaceful resolution from the outset.
Regarding whether Cambodia’s misinformation has disadvantaged Thailand, Maris expressed confidence:
“We’ve communicated with patience and honesty. We’ve never distorted facts. We are gentlemen. We’re not concerned about how the world sees us—because the facts speak for themselves.”
He noted that, in addition to the protest letters, documents were also sent to Thai ambassadors to the U.N. in New York and Geneva.
“If the world can be misled by distortions, there will never be peace,” he warned.
“But don’t worry—our international image is strong, and we’re closely monitoring the situation.”
In conclusion, Maris said French President Emmanuel Macron had sent a message of support, and that he would be meeting with Vietnam’s foreign minister later today for further diplomatic coordination. (TNA)
