Sihasak stated that Thailand-Cambodia negotiations are "closed" after Cambodia chose to bring the dispute under the UNCLOS mechanism, which has halted progress in land border talks. He also urged China to consider the impact of arms transfers to Cambodia and their effect on the situation.
On 20 July 2026 in Beijing, Mr. Sihasak Puangketkaew, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, spoke during an official visit with Prime Minister and Minister of Interior Anutin Charnvirakul to the People's Republic of China. He said Thailand discussed regional security issues with the Chinese side, particularly the crackdown on scammer networks and transnational crime, which involve multiple countries and require cooperation from neighbors including Myanmar, Cambodia, and China. The approach involves systematic solutions in law enforcement, human trafficking suppression, money laundering, and transnational crime networks.
Mr. Sihasak said that regarding the Thailand-Cambodia situation, China has expressed readiness to facilitate the restoration of relations between the two countries. However, Thailand insists that resolution should start from bilateral negotiations, as this is the most appropriate mechanism.
However, talks have not progressed because Cambodia has chosen to submit the dispute to the dispute settlement process under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) instead of direct negotiations. When asked if this process reduces the chances of dialogue, Mr. Sihasak responded: "The door is now closed. There is no opportunity to discuss the land border; it is quite difficult."
Mr. Sihasak said Thailand has also expressed concerns to the Chinese government about delivering tanks to Cambodia, noting that during this sensitive and fragile period in Thailand-Cambodia relations, such arms transfers could affect the atmosphere of de-escalation. He requested China to consider the impact on regional stability and the feelings of all parties involved.
Regarding the situation in Myanmar, Mr. Sihasak said Thailand and China share a common stance in supporting Myanmar's reintegration into the international community, but this must proceed alongside peacebuilding efforts and addressing international concerns.
Additionally, Thailand raised the issue of pollution in the Kok River with China, as it is a matter of concern to the Thai public. Thailand requested China’s technical support for Myanmar to expedite the formation of a joint Thailand-Myanmar committee to sustainably address the problem.
Mr. Sihasak also reflected concerns about "gray Chinese capital," affirming that the Thai government welcomes only quality, transparent investments that comply with Thai law. Although such gray capital is a minority compared to most Chinese investors, it has affected public confidence and sentiment. He asked Chinese authorities to cooperate seriously in preventing and resolving this issue to maintain a positive investment climate and good bilateral relations between Thailand and China.