The Thai Foreign Minister, Maris Sangiampongsa, who is currently on an official visit to the United States to lead the Thai delegation at the High-Level Political Forum on Sustainable Development 2025 (HLPF2025) at the United Nations headquarters in New York, convened a video call with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Bangkok yesterday (July 24, 2025).
The unscheduled meeting was held to urgently discuss plans for assisting Thai nationals in Cambodia, underscoring the gravity and immediacy of the situation.
Maris reaffirmed that he has been closely monitoring developments in Thai-Cambodian relations and has issued directives to manage the situation continuously, even while attending the HLPF2025.
During the forum in New York, he has had the opportunity to meet with high-level foreign dignitaries, including the UN Secretary-General, Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs (currently the President of the United Nations Security Council – UNSC for July), and Panama’s Minister of Social Development—who is set to take over the UNSC presidency next month. These meetings have provided a platform for Thailand to discuss its position with international partners.
Both Pakistan and Panama expressed agreement with Thailand’s efforts to address the issue through bilateral mechanisms and acknowledged that any violations of the Ottawa Convention must be rectified. Additionally, Maris met with Japan’s Deputy Minister for Foreign Affairs, as Japan is set to preside over the meeting of States Parties to the Ottawa Convention in December 2025.
Maris reiterated to the global community Thailand’s stance and restraint in the face of Cambodia’s insincere actions. He emphasized Thailand’s commitment to peaceful resolution within the bilateral framework, respect for sovereignty, and adherence to international law. Thailand has consistently sought genuine bilateral dialogue—contrasting Cambodia’s provocations and interference in Thailand’s internal affairs.
He condemned the actions of Cambodia’s armed forces as violations of Thai sovereignty, specifically referencing ongoing attacks on Thai territory, which have targeted civilian areas including hospitals, resulting in casualties among Thai citizens.
The Thai government is prepared to escalate defensive measures if Cambodia does not cease its armed attacks and violations of Thai sovereignty, in accordance with international norms and law.
Minister Maris has instructed the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to finalize evacuation plans for Thai nationals in Cambodia. In collaboration with the Ministry of Transport, relevant agencies, and commercial airlines, it has been decided to increase flight seats between Phnom Penh and Bangkok to accommodate Thai citizens wishing to return home.
The minister also expressed his concern for Thais residing in Cambodia and requested that they stay updated through the following official channels:
- Royal Thai Embassy in Phnom Penh (Emergency Phone: (+855) 77 888 114)
- Royal Thai Consulate-General in Siem Reap (Phone: (+855) 86 608 999)
- Department of Consular Affairs Call Center (Phone: (+66) 2 572 8442, available 24/7)
Maris extended his gratitude to the Ministry of Transport, airline representatives, and all related agencies for their collaboration in this effort.
