Summary of the Press Briefing on the briefing for the diplomatic corps on the outcomes of the trilateral meeting on the Thailand - Cambodia border situation and other issues on[...]

Summary of the Press Briefing on the briefing for the diplomatic corps
on the outcomes of the trilateral meeting on the Thailand - Cambodia border situation and other issues

by the Director-General of the Department of Information and MFA Spokesperson

on 30 December 2025 at 15:30 hrs.

MFA Press Conference Room and MFA FB LIVE / TikTok LIVE

1. Latest developments in the Thailand - Cambodia border situation, and a summary of the diplomatic corps briefing on the trilateral meeting between Thailand, Cambodia and China

• E. Mr. Sihasak Phuangketkeow, Minister of Foreign Affairs, briefed the diplomatic corps and representatives of international organizations on the latest developments in the Thailand-Cambodia border situation, with particular emphasis on his recent visit to Yunnan Province, the People's Republic of China. In attendance were ambassadors or representatives from 60 countries, one organization and two international organizations, totaling 78 participants.

1.1 Outcomes of the Foreign Minister's visit to China

• On 28-29 December 2025, the Foreign Minister paid a visit to Yunnan, China. He had a bilateral meeting with H.E. Mr. Wang Yi, Minister of Foreign Affairs of China, as well as participated in the trilateral meeting between China, Thailand and Cambodia, at the invitation of China. A Joint Press Release was issued shortly after.
• In the bilateral meeting, the Thai side appreciated China's role and understanding in supporting peace between Thailand and Cambodia through the "Asian way." The Chinese side welcomed the ceasefire agreement reached through bilateral negotiations, reiterated its respect for the principle of non-interference, and expressed readiness to provide a platform to support lasting peace between the two countries.
• In the trilateral meeting, the three sides exchanged views on the latest developments following the ceasefire agreement, ways to consolidate an effective ceasefire and promote sustainable peace between the two countries, confidence-building measures, cooperation in combating transnational crime, and joint demining operations.
• Thailand reiterated that any adjustment of bilateral relations should be made on a step-by-step basis. Thailand has always chosen the path of peace and sees the need to gradually build mutual trust and confidence between the two governments and people. Both sides will further discuss other measures, such as the reduction of confrontation, demining, removal of heavy weapons, and the suppression of scammers, to bring safety to the people along the border.
• China welcomed the ceasefire agreement reached through bilateral negotiations. Going forward with the implementation of the Joint Statement, China expressed its readiness to provide all necessary support to Cambodia and Thailand in advancing humanitarian de-mining through the Joint Coordinating Task Force and bilateral arrangements, and to provide substantive assistance for the ASEAN Observer Team (AOT) to ensure its effective functioning. The Chinese side will maintain contact with the Cambodian and Thai sides to provide support for the consolidation of the ceasefire, when necessary and upon request by both Cambodia and Thailand.

1.2 The implementation of the outcomes of the 3rd Special General Border Committee (GBC) Meeting, as well as the Release of Cambodian soldiers

• This trilateral meeting built upon the outcomes of the 3rd Special General Border Committee (GBC) Meeting, held from 24 - 27 December 2025 in Chanthaburi Province, with the participation of the ASEAN Observers Team (AOT) as observers. At the Special GBC Meeting, Thailand and Cambodia signed a Joint Statement on the ceasefire, for which the Ministry of Foreign Affairs has already issued a statement acknowledging this milestone.
• The ceasefire has been in effect since 12:00 hrs. on 27 December 2025, subject to monitoring and observation over a period of 72 hours, which concluded at noon today.
• Thus far, Thailand has strictly adhered to the Joint Statement. However, our security agencies on the ground have detected Cambodian drones encroaching into Thailand's sovereign airspace, constituting a violation of Article 6 of the Joint Statement, which stipulates that both parties must refrain from any provocative actions, including military operations that infringe upon the airspace, territory, or positions of the other party.
• Therefore, Thailand is currently assessing the timing of the release of the 18 It must be noted that the Ministries of Defence of both sides are in communication in accordance with Article 14 of the Joint Statement, while Cambodia, through its Ministry of Defence, has issued a notice prohibiting drone flights nationwide, particularly along the Thai - Cambodian border.

1.3 Next steps

• Thailand and Cambodia must strictly continue to respect and comply with the Joint Statement. The Joint Statement has put forward a roadmap for both sides for implementation in a gradual, step-by-step manner, including cooperation on joint humanitarian demining.
• With regard to the landmine incidents resulting in serious injuries suffered by the Thai soldiers, both shortly before the signing of the Joint Statement and again two days after its signing, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs has already issued statements condemning such incidents. The Thai side is currently conducting a comprehensive investigation and collecting evidence of these incidents to ascertain the facts in accordance with the Joint Statement. Thailand has already sent letters of protest to Cambodia and will continue to pursue this matter to the fullest extent within the framework of the Ottawa Convention.
• At the same time, a preliminary assessment indicates that a significant number of newly laid landmines remain in the area, particularly where it came under Thai control prior to the signing of the Joint Statement. Rest assured that Thailand will always submit a formal protest whenever a landmine incident occurs, as a responsible State Party to the Ottawa Convention. This is standard practice and represents an official position of Thailand with legal and diplomatic effect. Such actions serve as important evidence within the international legal system, and are essential to safeguarding Thailand's legitimacy, rights and sovereignty in the long term.
• At present, the utmost priority is to ensure that Thai people residing in shelters can return home safely, particularly on the eve of the New Year holiday. Security and administrative authorities are responsible for assessing the safety situation in the area to boost public confidence.

1. Registration for overseas voting for Thailand's upcoming general election

• The Royal Thai Embassies and Royal Thai Consulates-General are ready to organize overseas voting for Thailand's upcoming general election for the 1.5 million Thai citizens residing overseas.
• Registration for overseas voting has opened from 20 December 2025 until 5 January The Ministry encourages Thai nationals abroad to register within the specified period to be able to vote.
• Thai eligible voters can register for overseas voting until 5 January 2026 at 59 hrs. (Thailand's time) via (1) the MFA's "Thai Consular" application; (2) the "Smart Vote" application of the Office of the Election Commission of Thailand; and (3) the Ministry of Interior's website: https://boraservices.bora.dopa.go.th/election/.

1. New Year's gifts from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs

• The Ministry's special New Year's gifts for the Thai people this year include all-year-round consular mobile units to 12 provinces across the country and one-day services with no extra fees for passports, ID cards and legalisation documents at the Consular Affairs Department.
• On the occasion of the New Year 2026, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs would like to extend our best wishes to the public at large, as well as Thai and foreign members of the media. May you and your families enjoy good health and be blessed with happiness and prosperity throughout the New Year.
• The Ministry remains firmly committed to carrying out its mission in the national interest, including the protection of Thailand's sovereignty and territorial integrity, as well as the safety of Thai nationals both at home and abroad.

Watch the full session at: https://fb.watch/Ejr_1eP7Af/