Thailand: Thailand on Sunday rejected a statement by the UN special rapporteur on the situation of human rights in Cambodia, saying Bangkok did not initiate the conflict between the two countries, according to state media.

According to Anadolu Agency, the Thai Foreign Ministry stated that UN Special Rapporteur Tom Andrews had implied in a statement earlier this week that Bangkok was responsible for initiating the conflict between Thailand and Cambodia and its impact on Cambodian civilians. The ministry asserted that Thailand did not initiate the conflict, attributing it instead to 'indiscriminate' attacks by the Cambodian side 'targeting civilian areas in Thailand,' as reported by state broadcaster Thai PBS World.

At a news conference in the Cambodian capital, Phnom Penh, Andrews highlighted that around 650,000 Cambodian civilians were displaced from border regions at the end of last year, with more than 20,000 still unable to return home. Andrews mentioned conversations with civilians who were unable to return because their villages and towns were 'now occupied by Thai soldiers.' He emphasized that 'it is a matter of international law that those displaced by armed conflict have the right to return to their homes.'

Responding to Andrews' statement, Bangkok clarified that some individuals described as internally displaced persons (IDPs) were actually Cambodians who had been residing on Thai territory. These areas had been opened to provide temporary shelter under a humanitarian assistance program in the late 1970s. The ministry explained that despite improved conditions in Cambodia, these Cambodians did not return to their country despite repeated requests by Thailand, arguing that they therefore did not fall within the definition of IDP.

The Thai Foreign Ministry stated that the right of return should not be used for 'political purposes or propaganda, but upheld alongside genuine humanitarian concerns and principles.' It insisted that the Cambodian government holds the responsibility to care for its citizens affected by the conflict and displaced within Cambodia.

While Thailand expressed readiness to rebuild relations with Cambodia, it underscored that such efforts require genuine and sincere cooperation from Phnom Penh. Dozens of people were killed and tens of thousands displaced during fighting in 2025 before the two countries signed a peace agreement in Kuala Lumpur in October, witnessed by US President Donald Trump and Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim. Despite the cessation of fighting, tensions persist along the border, with Cambodia accusing Thailand of occupying parts of its territory.