PHNOM PENH, July 20, 2026 — Cambodia has called on fellow ASEAN member states to step up diplomatic efforts to encourage Thailand to respect international law, uphold the ASEAN Charter, and help ease tensions along the Cambodia–Thailand border, according to an official press release issued following the ASEAN Foreign Ministers' Meeting at Philipine

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Prak Sokhonn made the appeal during the ministerial meeting, where he briefed ASEAN foreign ministers on Cambodia's position regarding the ongoing border situation and stressed the importance of resolving disputes through peaceful means in accordance with international law.

According to the Press Release on the Outcomes of the ASEAN Foreign Ministers' Meeting, issued by Cambodia's Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation on 20 July 2026, Prak Sokhonn urged ASEAN member states to continue supporting peaceful conflict resolution based on the ASEAN Charter, the United Nations Charter, and internationally recognized legal principles.

The Cambodian foreign minister reaffirmed Cambodia commitment to settling disputes through dialogue, diplomacy and legal mechanisms, while calling on all parties to respect sovereignty, territorial integrity and the principle of non-use of force in international relations.

The ministry said Prak Sokhonn also encouraged the ASEAN Intergovernmental Commission on Human Rights (AICHR) and ASEAN member states to continue promoting peace, the rule of law, human rights and adherence to the ASEAN Charter as part of broader regional efforts to reduce tensions and preserve stability.

During the meeting, he highlighted the importance of the Southeast Asia Nuclear Weapon-Free Zone (SEANWFZ) Treaty, urging member states to continue supporting dialogue, diplomacy and international law as the preferred means of resolving disputes rather than the use of force.

Cambodia also reiterated its commitment to utilizing peaceful diplomatic and legal mechanisms to safeguard its sovereignty, territorial integrity and national interests while pursuing a sustainable and peaceful settlement of disputes with neighboring countries.

Residents displaced by the border conflict told local authorities and humanitarian workers that, since 2025, armed confrontations along sections of the Cambodia–Thailand border have forced thousands of families to flee their homes, abandoning property, farmland and other sources of livelihood in search of safety. Cambodia has described the military activities by Thai forces during that period as acts of aggression, an allegation that Thailand has disputed.

Displaced civilians said elderly people, women and children were forced to flee through areas affected by shelling and armed clashes, leaving behind homes and agricultural land that had sustained their families for generations. Many described the experience as one of the most traumatic episodes of their lives.

People sheltering at temporary evacuation centers said they continue to face shortages of food, clean drinking water, medical care and adequate shelter. They added that ongoing security concerns, the presence of unexploded ordnance and uncertainty along the border have prevented many families from returning home and resuming their livelihoods.

Many displaced residents said they hoped to rebuild their lives and return to their communities as soon as conditions allow, but uncertainty surrounding the security situation continues to delay their return.

Prak Sokhonn concluded by calling on ASEAN and the broader international community to continue supporting peaceful dialogue and diplomacy in accordance with international law, emphasizing that lasting peace, regional stability and sustainable security remain in the shared interests of Southeast Asia.

Thailand has not publicly responded to Cambodia's latest remarks contained in the ministry's press release. Bangkok has previously maintained that it remains committed to resolving bilateral issues through peaceful dialogue and existing bilateral mechanisms.