Speaker Blocks APA Delegation, Cambodia Seizes Border Narrative

MP Panit Nuancham of the People's Party, representing Bangkok, held a press conference at Parliament on November 6, 2026, at 09:40, warning of risks to Thailand's stance on the Thai-Cambodian border after the House Speaker declined to send a delegation to the Asian Parliamentary Assembly (APA).

At this APA session, Cambodia fully utilized the platform to present border and cultural heritage issues. Thailand had already planned to send a delegation led by SW with Panit as deputy, but the Speaker, Wan Muhamad Noor Matha, ordered them not to travel. Panit questioned whether the Speaker objected to his own inclusion as deputy leader, suggesting the move might be intended to prevent opposition MPs from playing a role on the international stage.

"Cambodia used this stage to the fullest, but what did Thailand gain from the Speaker's refusal? Was it short-sighted or careless? This matter is critical. While the meeting may appear to be about general cultural relations, Cambodia's statements covered border clashes, Preah Vihear temple, and sovereignty issues. We hope his statements follow the usual pattern at international forums and won't be amplified globally," Panit said.

Panit added that Thailand's Office of International Affairs had already drafted a rebuttal statement to be sent to the Foreign Ministry, but it was awaiting the Speaker's review.

Thailand lost the chance to defend its national interests because Cambodia linked alleged damage to Preah Vihear with border clashes and its own sovereignty claims. Those remarks were attached to the official meeting report for all to read and cite. The head of the Cambodian delegation was even elected as a vice-chair of the session, and there was a bid to host a future APA meeting in Cambodia. The published attendance list did not include Thailand.

"We would save a few hundred thousand baht in travel costs by sending just two or three officials. Cambodia's words are already in the report, but where is Thailand's information? We didn't go to defend this. This means more than just a delegation not traveling. Thailand missed the opportunity to have representatives in the same room as those hearing our case, to listen directly, negotiate, and present Thai data. Cambodia spoke, but we had no representatives there, only issuing a statement later. That is not protecting national interests. We must bring Thailand's facts to those listening, not let Cambodia speak unchallenged," Panit said.

Panit stressed the Speaker must recognize the risks. This work concerns national interests, not just government or opposition politics. The response from the representative should be more than a brief order to cancel travel.

"The Speaker holds a position that must enable MPs to work and must take responsibility for any decisions affecting this work. Especially when the forum raises sensitive border issues, the Speaker's responsibility is even heavier. We want to see Thailand protect its territory and explain the facts," Panit said.

Panit concluded that since the delegation was ready to travel but was ordered to stand down by the Speaker, the Speaker must personally assume responsibility for how this decision cost Thailand opportunities, and explain how it will be remedied.