At a press conference held at the Ministry of Interior on July 31, 2025, at 10:00 AM, Deputy Prime Minister and Interior Minister Phumtham Wechayachai provided an update on the Thai–Cambodian border situation. He stated that evacuees currently staying in temporary shelters would not be allowed to return home until security conditions are deemed safe and stable.
Mr. Phumtham expressed serious concern over Cambodia’s continued distortion of facts, calling its claims unreliable. He noted that although Cambodia has invited foreign diplomats and military attachés to visit the border in an apparent attempt to present a peaceful image, it was in fact Cambodia that violated the border and initiated the conflict, wrongly assuming Thailand would refrain from responding. Given that Thailand is the aggrieved party, he said, there is no current basis for trusting Cambodia’s assurances.
On Thailand’s diplomatic posture, Mr. Phumtham emphasized that the government has been engaging the international community as actively as Cambodia, focusing on the presentation of clear, factual evidence. He also revealed that Thailand has regained and now maintains full control of all key contested areas, though specific military details remain confidential. He reassured the public that Thailand is fully committed to defending its sovereignty.
Regarding diplomatic talks, Mr. Phumtham noted that global powers, including ASEAN member states, have expressed concern and are engaged in ongoing discussions with Thailand. He mentioned direct talks with the President of Indonesia, who conveyed understanding and sympathy toward Thailand’s position. However, he cautioned that any international or public statements must be grounded in verified facts and reiterated his firm rejection of official statements made by both Cambodian leaders, Hun Sen and Hun Manet.
Addressing the issue of the 18 Cambodian soldiers currently held in Thai custody for allegedly crossing into Thai territory after the ceasefire, Mr. Phumtham said that while Thailand is prepared to release them, the case is still under investigation to determine the timeline of their entry. Any decision will follow proper legal procedures to ensure that the facts are clearly established.
Source: NNT
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