Thailand Seeks Peace, Urges Cambodia to Honor Border Deal
Thailand’s JIC director Air Chief Marshal Praphas Sonjaidee said the country does not want war but will not sacrifice its sovereignty, urging Cambodia to honor the December 27, 2025 border agreement and continue peace talks. He stressed that Thai forces were not the first to use force, offered credible evidence for verification, and called on the international community to judge the situation by facts, not accusations. Praphas added that implementing the joint declaration on ceasefire, civilian protection, demining, and countering disinformation is essential to build trust and move forward with bilateral negotiations.
On October 17, 2026, Air Chief Marshal Praphas Sonjaidee, director of the Thailand–Cambodia Situation Information Center (JIC), outlined Thailand’s stance on the border situation. He affirmed that Thailand seeks no war and does not consider the Cambodian people enemies, but will not compromise its sovereignty or public safety. He stressed that Thai forces were not the first to use force and offered credible evidence for verification, urging the global community to assess the situation based on facts rather than accusations.
Praphas said the key to resolving the border issue lies in both sides fully implementing the joint declaration of December 27, 2025, which includes maintaining the ceasefire, avoiding provocation, protecting civilians, clearing landmines, and preventing the spread of false information. He noted that the agreement only becomes meaningful when consistently applied, as it forms the foundation for mutual trust.
Regarding negotiations, he confirmed Thailand’s readiness to pursue bilateral talks through the Joint Border Committee (JBC), the General Border Committee (GBC), and the Regional Border Committee (RBC), emphasizing that dialogue must be sincere, secure, and trustworthy, with continuous communication channels to reduce risk. He reiterated that Thailand does not close the door to talks, because lasting peace requires cooperation from both sides.
On handling accusations and misinformation, Praphas said JIC will swiftly, transparently, and verifiably communicate facts, separating them from allegations and presenting evidence to the international community. He stressed that credibility comes from consistently upholding the truth, not from shouting the loudest, and reaffirmed that Thailand does not wish to sow hatred between the peoples of the two nations.
He concluded: “Our goal is not merely to silence the guns but to enable people to return home safely, children to go back to school, farmers to resume their livelihoods, and border communities to regain peace and stability. Thailand does not want war, but it will not abandon its sovereignty. We must honor the agreement, build trust, advance bilateral talks, and restore peace to the people, because sustainable peace begins with keeping promises and proving them through action.”
