31 July 2025 – Parliament House, Bangkok Ms. Sarasnan Ananapaporn, Member of Parliament for Khon Kaen from the Pheu Thai Party and Chair of the House Committee on Foreign Affairs, revealed that since the outbreak of the armed clash along the Thai–Cambodian border on July 24, the Committee has proactively engaged with permanent members of the United Nations Security Council, as well as several European nations, including China, Russia, and the United Kingdom, to communicate concerns over conflicting narratives and misinformation from both sides.
Ms. Sarasnan emphasized that the Committee has called upon friendly nations to assist in monitoring and verifying the facts surrounding the incident. She noted that there has been widespread dissemination of distorted information, which could severely damage Thailand’s image on the international stage. She also urged the global community to take a principled stance against the violence in accordance with humanitarian values—not solely in relation to Thailand, but toward both nations involved.
Addressing reports that Cambodia continued to engage in aggressive actions despite the ceasefire agreement, Ms. Sarasnan stated that many countries—especially in Europe—have listened to Thailand’s account and generally support calls for restraint on both sides. She reaffirmed Thailand’s commitment to avoiding confrontation, clarifying that all retaliatory actions were carried out strictly in self-defense. To date, there have been no confirmed reports of casualties or damage on the Cambodian side, while Thailand has suffered more substantial impacts.
The Committee is also coordinating with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, security agencies, and provincial governors along the border—including Ubon Ratchathani, Surin, Si Sa Ket, and Buri Ram—to assess on-the-ground conditions and prepare for the upcoming General Border Committee (GBC) meeting between Thailand and Cambodia.
Regarding proposals to file charges of war crimes against Cambodian leadership at the International Criminal Court (ICC), Ms. Sarasnan noted that while such action is legally possible, it must be approached with caution. Since both sides have suffered casualties, any international legal proceedings would require clear and sufficient evidence. She further stated that Thailand must clarify its objective—whether it aims to de-escalate the violence through dialogue or to target the leadership of the opposing side—since each path carries different long-term implications for regional stability.
In conclusion, Ms. Sarasnan commented that the current conflict highlights the geopolitical role of major powers, especially China and the United States, whose involvement may carry broader strategic implications. Thailand, she said, must carefully navigate these dynamics, avoiding alignment with any one bloc while remaining resilient in the face of economic and political pressures.
“This may be a defining moment for Thailand to make critical decisions—on where we stand to protect national interests, minimize losses, and maintain balanced international relations,” Ms. Sarasnan concluded.
