Sihasak Warns Cambodia at UN Talks in New York

Thailand’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister, Sihasak Phuangketkeow, has warned Cambodia against using international forums to criticise Thailand, saying the move could damage efforts by both countries to rebuild trust and improve bilateral relations.

Get today's headlines by email

Speaking on Sunday, May 24, after completing an official visit to France with Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul, Sihasak said he would travel to New York at the invitation of Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi to attend a special meeting of the United Nations Security Council, currently chaired by China.

Sihasak said he had recently held talks with Cambodia’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister, Prak Sokhonn, following discussions between Anutin and Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet during the ASEAN Summit in Cebu, Philippines, on May 7.

According to Sihasak, both leaders had agreed to improve relations, create a more constructive atmosphere and rebuild mutual trust as a basis for addressing longstanding issues, including land and maritime boundary disputes.

However, Sihasak expressed concern over Cambodia’s recent actions at the United Nations. He said Keo Chhea, Cambodia’s ambassador and permanent representative to the UN in New York, had used the May 21 UNSC open debate on the “Protection of Civilians in Armed Conflict” to raise bilateral disputes and criticise Thailand.

He said the Cambodian representative accused Thailand of encroaching on Cambodian territory and referred to the impact of the conflict. Sihasak stated that such remarks contradicted the joint statement signed on December 28, 2025, in which both countries agreed to resolve disputes through internal dialogue and avoid escalating issues on international platforms.

“We need to speak to each other sincerely and Thailand has come with that approach because the leaders have already spoken. It should not be a case of saying one thing and doing another,” Sihasak said.

Sihasak also reiterated Thailand’s position on maritime boundary negotiations. He said Thailand had already cancelled the 2001 memorandum of understanding on overlapping maritime claims between Thailand and Cambodia, commonly known as MOU 44.

He added that, as both countries are parties to the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea, future discussions should first proceed under the UNCLOS framework. If no agreement is reached, other international mechanisms, including compulsory or voluntary conciliation, could later be considered.

The Nation reported that Sihasak warned that continued criticism by Cambodia on the international stage could undermine the understanding reached by both leaders in Cebu. He said this would negatively affect efforts to improve relations and resolve disputes, adding that future progress now depended entirely on Cambodia.

Picture courtesy of The Nation

Join the discussion?

Already a member?

Adapted by ASEAN Now Nation 25 May 2026