Thailand told the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) on May 26 that it has never sought to claim the territory of any other country, after Cambodia raised the Thai-Cambodian dispute during a debate in New York.
Get today's headlines by email 
Thai representative Sihasak Phuangketkeow addressed the UNSC open debate on maintaining international peace and security at UN headquarters. He said Thailand remained fully committed to the ceasefire agreement with Cambodia, but warned that lasting peace required sincere cooperation and an end to accusations made on international platforms.
Sihasak attended the session at the invitation of Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi. During his remarks, he congratulated China on assuming the presidency of the Security Council and warned that confidence in the United Nations-centred international system was declining amid growing instability and geopolitical tensions.
He said the idea that “might makes right” and transactional politics were increasingly replacing established international rules and principles. Sihasak stressed that respect for international law and the UN Charter should not become “merely rhetoric or tools for pursuing unilateral interests”.
Picture courtesy of The Nation
Thailand proposed three key principles to strengthen multilateralism and preserve the UN-centred international order. First, Sihasak called for stronger collective responsibility and restraint among member states, saying both major powers and smaller nations shared responsibility for defending the UN Charter.
Second, he urged reforms to multilateral institutions so they remain effective and resilient in responding to complex global challenges. He said the UNSC should not become a platform for geopolitical confrontation and called on the five permanent members to exercise greater responsibility, particularly regarding veto powers in cases involving genocide or mass atrocities.
Third, Sihasak said stronger regional and subregional cooperation could reinforce multilateralism. He warned that without the United Nations, the world would face greater division, uncertainty and danger.
Sihasak later addressed the Thai-Cambodian issue directly after Cambodia’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Prak Sokhonn referred to conflict, ceasefire arrangements and territorial matters during the debate.
He said Thailand had initially not intended to raise bilateral issues because the UNSC was not the appropriate venue for such discussions. However, he said Thailand had to respond after Cambodia mentioned the dispute during the session.
Sihasak stated that Thailand wanted progress not only on ceasefire arrangements but also towards sustainable and stable peace. He added that both countries needed to build trust and open “a new chapter of history” based on international law and the UN Charter.
He also criticised Cambodia for what he described as attempts to seek unilateral advantage and divert attention from core issues. “Sustainable ceasefire efforts leading to sustainable peace must come from both sides, with sincerity and genuine intentions. Words and actions must match,” he said.
Speaking after the debate, Sihasak said Thailand had repeatedly made clear that if progress was to be achieved on border demarcation, the MOU framework or maritime issues under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), Cambodia must stop making accusations against Thailand.
The Nation reported that on the sidelines of the meeting, Sihasak also held bilateral talks with representatives from the United States, Costa Rica and China. Discussions included regional developments, the Thai-Cambodian border issue and strengthening Thailand’s international partnerships.
Join the discussion? 
Already a member? 
Adapted by ASEAN Now Nation 28 May 2026
Recommended Comments
Create an account or sign in to comment