Thailand slams Cambodian leaders for interference, demands they stop

Thailand has condemned Cambodian leaders' calls for regime change in Thailand, describing it as interference in the internal affairs of another country and a serious violation of the ASEAN and UN charters.

Foreign Ministry spokesman Nikorndej Balankura urged Cambodian leaders to cease such actions immediately.

He was referring to remarks made, on several occasions, by Cambodian leaders expressing a wish to see new leadership in Thailand and stating that they would only cooperate with the “next” Thai government.

Nikorndej said that the Thai government calls on Cambodian leaders to cease and desist, before further and serious damage is inflicted upon bilateral relations.

"Thailand also urges Cambodia to resolve any issues between the two countries through peaceful means and without delay," he added.

Cambodian Senate President Hun Sen recently said, “I hope there will be a new prime minister in Thailand, who will actively work to resolve issues with neighboring countries, especially with Cambodia. If that happens, I don’t think we will remain confrontational.”

The exchange of words comes amid escalating border tensions between the two neighbours, which have led to the closure of parts of their shared border.

The content of a leaked conversation, between Thai Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra and Hun Sen, has drawn strong criticism in Thailand.

A group of senators filed a petition against Paetongtarn for her actions with the Constitutional Court, which has suspended her from duty during their deliberations on the case.