Thailand Rebuts Cambodia’s Claims at UN Forum, Citing Border Attacks and Online Scams

Brickinfo News Agency – Thailand has exercised its right of reply at the 2026 ECOSOC Forum on Financing for Development Follow-up to address statements made by the Cambodian delegation, highlighting a series of unprovoked armed attacks and the rise of illicit industries. Representing the Kingdom at the United Nations, Thailand detailed significant historical support provided to its neighbor while expressing grave concerns over recent border security violations and the documented expansion of online scam syndicates operating within Cambodian territory.

The response, delivered on April 22, 2026, by Cherdchai Chaivaivid, Ambassador and Permanent Representative of Thailand to the United Nations, underscored Thailand’s long-standing role in Cambodia’s nation-building. The Ambassador noted that since Cambodia’s independence in 1953, Thailand has consistently supported its development, including hosting approximately one million displaced persons during the conflicts of the 1970s and 1980s. Even in recent years, Thailand has provided over USD 17 million in technical and development assistance to aid Cambodia’s post-pandemic recovery.

However, the Thai delegation reported that these efforts have met with a “negative rate of return” regarding bilateral relations. The Ambassador revealed that in July and December 2025, Cambodia initiated unprovoked armed attacks on Thai territory. These incidents resulted in the deaths of 19 civilians, injured 51 others, and forced the displacement of over 400,000 people. The conflict also impacted more than 400 hospitals, leading Thailand to exercise its inherent right of self-defense under Article 51 of the Charter of the United Nations.

A significant portion of the rebuttal focused on the issue of landmines and regional security. Ambassador Cherdchai pointed out a disturbing contradiction: while Cambodia receives substantial Official Development Assistance (ODA) for mine clearance, it has allegedly continued to plant new mines. This practice has contaminated border areas that were previously intended for joint economic development, posing a direct threat to the safety and livelihoods of civilians on both sides of the border.

Furthermore, Thailand brought international attention to the proliferation of transnational crime in the region. The Ambassador stated that it is well documented that Cambodia hosts numerous online scam syndicates, which generate estimated annual revenues as high as USD 19 billion, or nearly 40% of Cambodia’s GDP. This illicit industry has not only caused massive financial losses for victims worldwide but has also been linked to tens of thousands of cases of forced labor and human trafficking.

In his concluding remarks, Ambassador Cherdchai emphasized the toll these activities take on global progress, noting that these vast sums of money are being lost to criminal enterprises at the direct expense of legitimate international development. The statement serves as a firm clarification of Thailand’s position amid escalating tensions and highlights the need for accountability regarding regional stability and the rule of law.