Thailand hopes its handling of dispute with Cambodia will be recognised internationally

The Thai Foreign Ministry gave a briefing to members of the diplomatic corps and international organisations today, about the recent armed conflict with Cambodia and Thailand’s commitment to peace through bilateral negotiations.

Nikorndej Balankura, spokesman for the Foreign Ministry, reaffirmed Thailand’s responsibility to the international community, its compliance with international laws and principles and its determination to reestablish good relations with Cambodia.

He said that Thailand’s efforts have not, however, been reciprocated by Cambodia, as he accused the country of committing provocative acts against Thailand since the start of this year, including the launching of several attacks on Thailand.

Thailand has clear proof that Cambodia started the attacks, by the indiscriminating targeting of Thai civilians and public places, such as a petrol station, a convenience store, hospitals and schools, resulting in deaths and injuries and the displacement of tens of thousands of non-combatants, claimed Nikorndej.

He explained that the retaliation by Thai forces was justified self defence, in accordance with the United Nations Charter, was proportional and was confined to military targets in Cambodia.

Nikorndej claimed that all Cambodia’s allegations against Thailand, from starting the armed conflict and the attack on the Preah Vihear ancient temple to the intimidation of Cambodian migrant workers working in Thailand, were unfounded and could not be supported by hard evidence.

The spokesman then hailed Malaysia, in its capacity as the current ASEAN chair, for facilitating ceasefire talks between Thailand and Cambodia. He also thanked China and the United States for sending representatives to observe the talks.

He reasserted Thailand’s determination to resolve the border dispute with Cambodia peacefully, through the General Border Committee (GBC) and Joint Boundary Commission (JBC) mechanisms. He said he expects Cambodia to join the JBC meeting in Bangkok in September, with a sincere intent to explore a solution to the border dispute.

He also urged Cambodia to stop spreading false information or lies about Thailand, noting that this does not help the restoration of mutual trust, but undermines relations between the two countries.

Nikorndej said he hopes that Thailand’s sincerity, vis-à-vis the border dispute, will be recognised by the international community.