Cambodian Deputy Prime Minister H.E. PRAK Sokhonn, Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, discussed the Cambodia-Thailand border situation in a telephone conversation with H.E. Ms. Seema Malhotra MP, Minister for Indo-Pacific of the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office of the United Kingdom, on Dec. 18.
According to a press release issued this evening by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, H.E. Deputy Prime Minister thanked the United Kingdom for consistently supporting the Cambodia-Thailand peace process, particularly the Ceasefire Agreement of July 28 and the Kuala Lumpur Joint Declaration signed on Oct. 26, 2025. He reaffirmed Cambodia’s unwavering commitment to the peaceful dispute settlement, while underscoring the country’s firm adherence to the agreed ceasefire and the Joint Declaration, noting with regret that the Thai side has unilaterally withdrawn from these arrangements.
H.E. PRAK Sokhonn briefed H.E. Ms. Seema Malhotra on Cambodia’s grave concerns over the deteriorating humanitarian situation, with nearly half a million Cambodians already displaced while the number is growing, as Thai forces continue their indiscriminate assault. He highlighted that the worsening situation is no longer confined to the border areas, as attacks are extended deep into Cambodia’s territory, reaching distances of up to 90 kilometres from the border. In this regard, he underscored the urgent need to stop Thailand’s illegal arm aggression against Cambodia.
In response, H.E. Ms. Seema Malhotra conveyed her deep condolences for the loss of lives and her heartfelt sympathies to the affected families and communities. She expressed serious concern over the harm on civilian lives and facilities, and underscored the United Kingdom’s strong desire to see an end to this armed conflict.
She expressed the United Kingdom’s keen interest in playing a constructive and stabilising role, alongside ASEAN and other partners, in support of a peaceful resolution and the prevention of further escalation. She also emphasised the importance of both sides engaging constructively within the ASEAN framework and expressed hope for a positive outcome from the forthcoming ASEAN Ministerial Meeting.
