The Ministry of Foreign Affairs clarifies that the Cambodian claim accusing Thai F-16 jets of bombing Poipet city is fake news, emphasizing that the strikes targeted only a weapons depot. It also reveals that Minister Sihasak sent a letter to the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights concerning Cambodia’s ban on Thai nationals returning, which violates international human rights.
On 19 Dec 2025 GMT+7, at the Foreign Ministry press room, Mr. Nikorn Dech Plangkur, Director-General of the Information Department and spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, addressed the current Thailand-Cambodia border situation. Regarding the protection of Thai nationals in Cambodia, after Cambodia announced on 17 Dec the suspension of land border crossings preventing Thais from returning home, Minister Sihasak Puangkaew sent another letter to the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights expressing concern that this measure violates international covenants on civil and political rights, including the Fourth Geneva Convention on the Protection of Civilians during War and obligations under the 1963 Vienna Convention on Consular Relations. Thailand has urged the UN office to press Cambodia to comply with relevant international obligations. The ministry also stresses its strong commitment to the safety of Thai citizens in Cambodia by issuing travel documents, facilitating travel within Cambodia, providing temporary accommodation, issuing flight tickets, and coordinating with Cambodian authorities to secure exit permits.
Mr. Nikorn Dech stated that since clashes began on 7 Dec, the Thai Embassy in Phnom Penh and the Consulate-General in Siem Reap have issued alerts advising Thai nationals in Cambodia to return to Thailand. To date, over 400 have returned, and the embassy continues to contact Thai communities to check on their safety and encourage returns.
For Thai nationals in Poipet, the embassy and consulate have sent letters to Cambodia’s Ministry of Interior requesting permission for those wishing to return to Thailand to cross the land border, but this request was denied.
Mr. Nikorn Dech said that following the land border closure, the embassy and consulate publicized registration for Thai nationals wishing to return by air via the website safe.consular.co.th, and inquired about assistance needs. So far, registration numbers remain low. For those registered, embassy staff have tried to contact them directly but have been unsuccessful. They urge registrants and those intending to register to provide reachable phone numbers or contact channels.
Regarding reports of arranging special flights, Mr. Nikorn Dech said that commercial airlines on regular routes still have considerable seat availability and remain the preferred option due to greater speed, convenience, and scheduling flexibility. The Foreign Ministry maintains continuous coordination with airlines but also stated that charter flights can be arranged if necessary.
On the dissemination of false and distorted information by Cambodia, which has been ongoing, the latest case involves Cambodia’s Ministry of Defense accusing Thailand of dropping two bombs on Poipet city using F-16 fighter jets. The ministry reiterated that Thai air operations targeted missile sites located outside Poipet city. All Thai military missions undergo multiple levels of scrutiny, including intelligence and adherence to international law, with strict efforts to avoid civilian harm. Targets are confirmed military objectives only. In contrast, Cambodia has moved troops and equipment near civilian areas, increasing risks to its own population and violating international humanitarian law.
Regarding fake news claiming over 5,000 Thai soldiers were killed in clashes and the use of AI-generated images, the ministry clarified these figures are false. Thai military data has been carefully collected and verified. Thailand honors the sacrifice of its brave servicemen defending the country by providing appropriate support to families of the deceased and wounded. Conversely, Cambodia has not acknowledged or compensated its fallen soldiers.
Mr. Nikorn Dech also spoke about Thailand’s participation in the upcoming ASEAN Foreign Ministers Meeting in Kuala Lumpur, where military representatives will join the Thai delegation. Thailand is ready to attend as it does not block dialogue within ASEAN and trusts ASEAN mechanisms to play a constructive role based on facts. Thailand will use this forum to clarify the facts of recent events and state its position focusing on three key conditions:
1. Cambodia must be the first to declare a ceasefire.
2. The ceasefire with Cambodia must be genuine and sustained.
3. Cambodia must seriously collaborate with Thailand on landmine clearance; this condition has yet to be met.
Thailand reaffirms its ongoing commitment to resolving the issue, which requires genuine sincerity and determination from Cambodia. Any discussions toward ceasefire must involve both Thailand and Cambodia and be based on military assessments. The Foreign Ministry will coordinate closely with security agencies. The public is assured that Thailand’s fundamental principles for participation in this meeting remain unchanged: prioritizing national interest, protecting sovereignty and territorial integrity, safeguarding Thai citizens’ lives and property, and emphasizing that while Thailand desires peace, it must come with readiness, safety, and sustainability.
Mr. Nikorn Dech also mentioned Minister Sihasak’s visit to Japan from 18 to 20 Dec 2025 GMT+7 for official discussions. Both sides exchanged views on regional issues, including the Thailand-Cambodia border situation. The Thai Foreign Minister also met with the chairperson of the Japan-Thailand Parliamentary Friendship Group to discuss Thailand’s political situation during its transitional period.
Mr. Nikorn Dech disclosed talks between Minister Sihasak and Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, and EU representatives. Thailand has engaged similarly with all countries. China expressed its wish to see peace on the Thailand-Cambodia border as a neighboring country. Thailand desires peace but insists on three to four conditions it has consistently maintained: Cambodia must cease hostilities, agree to a ceasefire, and collaborate on mine clearance. Minister Sihasak discussed measures to reduce tensions leading to a ceasefire and shared information ahead of the ASEAN Foreign Ministers Meeting in Kuala Lumpur. Importantly, he emphasized that military forces from both sides must negotiate first to achieve peace. Thailand does not want even a single day of fighting, and China expressed readiness to support if negotiations are needed.