The Foreign Ministry confirms that Thailand respects and abides by the Thai-Cambodian Joint Statement and calls for an end to baseless accusations regarding the Cambodian soldier stepping on a landmine himself. It also reveals that the appointment of the chairperson for the compulsory conciliation commission is near.
On 10 Jul 2026 GMT+7, at the Foreign Ministry press room, Mrs. Martee Nalita Andamo, Deputy Director-General of the Information Department and Deputy Spokesperson of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, provided updates on the Thailand-Cambodia situation. She addressed allegations concerning an explosion on Cambodian soil, where it was claimed that Thai soldiers threw explosives into a Cambodian position on 5 July. Images of injured Cambodian personnel circulated on social media. The Royal Thai Army and the Situation Information Center have already issued clarifications to Cambodia.
Fact-checking found the incident occurred on Cambodian territory and was not caused by Thai forces. It is assessed that newly assigned Cambodian personnel, unfamiliar with the area, accidentally stepped on leftover landmines in their own territory. It was confirmed that Thai soldiers’ operations were under the rules of engagement and the Joint Statement, both parties having signed and approved last year, based on restraint, transparency, and accountability. Thailand calls on Cambodia to stop making unfounded accusations that lack evidence, which show poor judgment, distort information, cause misunderstandings, and reflect Cambodia’s dissatisfaction.
Regarding Cambodia’s claim that Thailand crossed its border, Mrs. Martee affirmed that Thailand respects and strictly follows the Joint Statement, especially clause two, which requires both sides to maintain their current deployments without moving forces or patrolling into the other side’s positions. Thailand’s actions aim to protect security and the safety of the people under the Joint Statement. She rejected Cambodia’s repeated allegations cited in international forums and stressed that Thailand seeks peace and is ready to resolve issues through bilateral negotiations based on facts, sincerity, mutual respect, and adherence to agreements to reduce tensions and uphold trust, while noting Cambodia’s contradictory behavior.
On the progress of the compulsory conciliation process under UNCLOS, each side has appointed two conciliators. The fifth member, who will serve as chairperson of the Thai-Cambodian Compulsory Conciliation Commission, must be an expert widely accepted for neutrality, with deep diplomatic knowledge, international law expertise, maritime law understanding, and insight into the Thai-Cambodian relationship over the past year. The selection is ongoing. Representatives from relevant agencies will perform their duties professionally and prioritize the nation’s vital interests.
Regarding senior Cambodian officials’ claims that Thailand is using the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) procedures to delay the Joint Boundary Commission (JBC), which has slowed progress in resolving land border disputes, Mrs. Martee clarified that Thailand has no intention of using UNCLOS as an excuse to hinder talks. The main obstacle to progress in all methods is Cambodia’s lack of sincerity. Before JBC meetings, the atmosphere must be conducive, and both sides should not negotiate while still accusing each other.
When asked if Cambodia’s repeated focus on the same issues would affect the acceptance of the compulsory conciliation process, Mrs. Martee said Cambodia has the right to express its stance, though it has repeatedly made some accusations. However, she believes this will not affect UNCLOS progress, as it is a legal process under the maritime convention to which Thailand is a party and in which Thailand will participate.