The Ministry of Foreign Affairs reaffirmed Thailand's position that ceasefire conditions must be proven by actions, highlighting Cambodia's three main points. It is estimated that about 5,000 Thais are in Poipet, with 356 having returned to Thailand already. Tags: [Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Thailand-Cambodia relations, ceasefire, Poipet, Thai nationals]
On 16 Dec 2025 GMT+7, Mrs. Maratee Nalita Andamo, Deputy Spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, clarified Thailand's foreign policy stance amid calls from several countries for Thailand and Cambodia to negotiate a ceasefire. She affirmed that Thailand has consistently conveyed its position clearly through the Prime Minister, the Minister of Foreign Affairs, and the Ministry’s spokesperson. Tags: [Maratee Nalita Andamo, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Thailand foreign policy, ceasefire negotiations]
The Deputy Spokesperson stated that under international principles, a ceasefire depends on the two conflicting countries and must be demonstrated through real actions, which Thailand is still awaiting from Cambodia. Thailand has setTags: [ceasefire, international law, Thailand-Cambodia conflict, diplomatic stance] three key conditions that Thailand wants Cambodia to meet to ensure that the ceasefire is meaningful, includingTags: [ceasefire conditions, Cambodia, Thailand demands]
1. Cambodia must declare a ceasefire first, as the country that has encroached into Thai territory.Tags: [ceasefire declaration, Cambodia, territorial incursion]
2. The ceasefire must be genuine and continuous, not a temporary halt followed by renewed violence.Tags: [genuine ceasefire, continuous ceasefire, violence prevention]
3. Cambodia must sincerely and seriously cooperate in clearing landmines.Tags: [landmine clearance, Cambodia cooperation, ceasefire conditions]
These points have been priorities for Thailand under the Ottawa Convention framework. The Ministry also emphasized that all Thai operations comply with the right to self-defense under Article 51 of the United Nations Charter and align with international humanitarian law, principles strictly observed by Thailand.Tags: [Ottawa Convention, self-defense, UN Charter Article 51, international humanitarian law]
Regarding diplomatic progress, the Deputy Spokesperson revealed that Malaysia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs has announced a Special ASEAN Ministers’ Meeting scheduled for 22 Dec 2025 GMT+7. Thailand’s Foreign Minister is ready to participate, viewing such a high-level meeting as requiring face-to-face discussions for serious deliberations. Coordination is underway to finalize participants from all ASEAN countries.Tags: [ASEAN, Malaysia, Special Ministers’ Meeting, diplomatic talks]
Meanwhile, the Ministry reported on assistance for Thais in Cambodia. Currently, 669 Thais have registered with the Royal Thai Embassy in Phnom Penh to return to Thailand, though this number may change daily. As of 15 Dec, 352 Thais have departed Phnom Penh, 4 are awaiting travel arrangements, and 317 remain.Tags: [Thai nationals, Cambodia, repatriation, embassy assistance]
As for Thais in the Poipet area, it is estimated there are approximately 5,000 to 6,000 individuals. This figure is approximate because not all have registered yet.Tags: [Poipet, Thai population, registration status]
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs confirms readiness to facilitate emergency travel document issuance and air travel from Phnom Penh and Siem Reap. Thais in Cambodia wishing to return are encouraged to contact the Royal Thai Embassy or Consulate General at any time.Tags: [emergency travel documents, repatriation facilitation, embassy services, Thai nationals in Cambodia]