AKP Phnom Penh, August 01, 2025 --

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation (MFAIC) has reaffirmed that Cambodia’s diplomatic approach is both consistent and legitimate, rejecting what it described as baseless accusations by the Thai government.

Speaking at a press briefing this afternoon, H.E. Chum Sounry, Secretary of State and Spokesperson of the MFAIC, dismissed Thailand’s claim that Cambodia was attempting to “internationalise” the border situation for manipulation.

“Cambodia’s diplomatic efforts are rooted in peace, transparency, and multilateral cooperation, not in manipulation or distortion as Thailand claims,” he said.

H.E. Chum Sounry strongly refuted assertions made by the Thai side during its press conference yesterday, calling them unfounded and misleading. He emphasised that Cambodia remains committed to international law, the principles of peaceful conflict resolution, and the ASEAN framework.

Addressing the Thai government’s claim of “self-defence,” the spokesperson clarified that the armed clashes on May 28, 2025 were triggered by Thai troops who opened fire on Cambodian positions located inside Cambodian territory.

“Thailand’s claim of self-defence is a misrepresentation aimed at justifying its provocative military actions,” he stated.

On the accusation of “internationalisation,” H.E. Chum Sounry explained that Cambodia’s outreach to the United Nations and international partners was conducted in the spirit of transparency and multilateral oversight, not as an attempt to manipulate the situation.

He went on to reject Thailand’s characterisation of the recent ceasefire as a Thai diplomatic victory, asserting that the agreement was a multilateral achievement made possible by the constructive roles of the ASEAN Chair (Malaysia), the United States, China, and Cambodia’s own proactive engagement.

The spokesperson also categorically denied continued Thai accusations that Cambodia violated the ceasefire.

“Cambodia remains firmly committed to peaceful solutions and regional stability,” he said. “We call on Thailand to engage constructively through ASEAN and other international mechanisms.”

By Heng Panha