(Phnom Penh): Cambodian Ministry of Foreign Affairs Spokesperson Chum Sounry said that Cambodia had no choice but to respond to Thailand's actions, following Bangkok’s unilateral decision to downgrade diplomatic ties without prior notice. In contrast, Cambodia formally informed the Thai side that Cambodia would lower diplomatic relations to the level of chargé d'affaires. 

Chum Sounry spoke on Thursday (Jul. 24) during a press conference hosted by the Royal Government Spokesperson Unit in response to the escalating armed clashes along the Cambodia–Thailand border.

It should be noted that on July 23, 2025, Thai media outlets, including The Nation, reported that Thailand had decided to downgrade diplomatic ties with Cambodia by recalling its ambassador from Phnom Penh and expelling the Cambodian ambassador from Bangkok.

In response, the Royal Government of Cambodia decided to downgrade bilateral diplomatic relations with Thailand to the lowest level, Second Charge d’Affaires. Additionally, all Cambodian diplomatic staff at the Royal Embassy of Cambodia in Bangkok were recalled, and Thai diplomatic staff in Cambodia were requested to leave the country as well.

This action came after Thailand unilaterally recalled its ambassador and expelled Cambodia’s ambassador from Bangkok, citing unexplained reasons allegedly linked to a landmine incident. Cambodian officials viewed Thailand’s claim as baseless and believed it was an intentional attempt to shift blame onto Cambodia, thereby portraying its own diplomatic retaliation as reasonable.

Such conduct, the spokesperson noted, reflects a lack of goodwill in resolving the issue through dialogue and instead favours direct confrontation.

Chum Sounry emphasised that the Thai government's move to downgrade relations did not adhere to internationally accepted diplomatic norms as outlined in the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations. He stated that the Thai side made a public announcement without officially notifying Cambodia through diplomatic channels, thus lacking legal justification or proper procedure in line with international standards.

He underlined, “In response, the Royal Government of Cambodia has decided to reciprocate by lowering diplomatic relations between the two countries to the lowest level. We had no other option but to respond to what the Thai government initiated. However, unlike Thailand, Cambodia issued a formal diplomatic note through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to inform the Thai side.”

This press conference was convened in the wake of armed clashes between Cambodia and Thailand on the morning of 24 July 2025, at the Ta Moan Thom Temple area in Oddar Meanchey province, which later spread to other points along the border. The confrontation was reportedly triggered by Thai troops who launched the first attack at the Ta Moan Thom site.
=FRESH NEWS

</p