Thailand Refutes Cambodia’s Claims at UN Forum

Thailand has formally rejected Cambodia’s recent assertions at the United Nations, which claimed that Thai authorities had encroached on Cambodian territory in the disputed border region near Preah Vihear Temple. The diplomatic confrontation marks the latest chapter in a long-standing territorial dispute between the neighboring Southeast Asian nations.

In a strongly-worded statement delivered to the UN General Assembly, Thailand’s permanent representative dismissed the Cambodian allegations as “false claims” that misrepresent the actual situation on the ground. The Thai delegation emphasized that their troops and personnel have operated strictly within Thai sovereign territory, in accordance with international law and existing bilateral agreements.

“These allegations are not only unfounded but also contradict the spirit of cooperation that Thailand has consistently demonstrated toward resolving border issues through established diplomatic channels,” the Thai representative stated.

The disputed area surrounding the ancient Preah Vihear Temple has been a source of tension between Thailand and Cambodia for decades. In 2013, the International Court of Justice (ICJ) awarded sovereignty over the temple to Cambodia but did not make a definitive ruling on the surrounding land, leaving approximately 4.6 square kilometers of territory in contention.

Since the ICJ ruling, both countries have maintained military presences in the area, occasionally leading to diplomatic flare-ups despite a general commitment to peaceful resolution. The latest accusations by Cambodia at the UN forum have once again brought international attention to the unresolved border dispute.

Thailand’s Foreign Ministry has expressed disappointment that Cambodia chose to raise these issues in a multilateral setting rather than using the existing bilateral mechanisms designed specifically for addressing border concerns.

“We have consistently engaged with our Cambodian counterparts through the Joint Border Commission and other established diplomatic channels,” said a senior Thai Foreign Ministry official speaking on condition of anonymity. “Bringing unsubstantiated claims to the UN only complicates our ongoing efforts to find practical, mutually acceptable solutions.”

Regional security experts note that the timing of Cambodia’s accusations coincides with domestic political developments in both countries. Thailand’s newly formed government under Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin is still establishing its foreign policy priorities, while Cambodia is preparing for a potential leadership transition as long-serving Prime Minister Hun Sen gradually transfers power to his son.

Dr. Thitinan Pongsudhirak, a political science professor at Chulalongkorn University, suggests the dispute may have broader implications: “Border issues between Thailand and Cambodia often become more pronounced when either country faces domestic political pressures. This latest episode reflects not just territorial disagreements but also the complex interplay of nationalism and regional geopolitics in Southeast Asia.”

The Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) has traditionally maintained a non-interventionist stance on bilateral disputes between member states, encouraging parties to resolve conflicts through direct negotiation. However, recurring tensions along the Thai-Cambodian border have occasionally tested this approach.

Economic stakes in the disputed region have increased in recent years, with both countries seeing potential tourism benefits from the UNESCO World Heritage site at Preah Vihear. Before COVID-19 disruptions, the temple attracted significant tourist revenue, highlighting the economic dimension of the territorial dispute.

Thai authorities have reiterated their commitment to maintaining peace along the border while protecting national sovereignty. The Royal Thai Army has indicated that its operations near the disputed area follow established protocols and coordination mechanisms with Cambodian counterparts to prevent misunderstandings.

As both nations prepare for further diplomatic exchanges on this issue, observers remain cautiously optimistic that existing bilateral frameworks can prevent significant escalation. Thailand and Cambodia share substantial economic and cultural ties, with cross-border trade reaching approximately $8 billion annually despite occasional diplomatic tensions.

The Thai Foreign Ministry has announced plans to engage with Cambodian officials in the coming weeks to address the recent allegations and reaffirm commitment to resolving border issues through established bilateral mechanisms rather than international forums.