Senate President issues statement rebutting Hun Sen's accusations — slams Cambodia for distorting facts and playing the victim — reaffirms Thailand's commitment to ceasefire agreement — urges cooperation to resolve issues in good faith
On 28 August 2026, Mr. Mongkol Surasajja, President of the Senate, issued a statement in both Thai and English rejecting accusations made by Mr. Hun Sen, President of the Cambodian Senate, who had made remarks targeting Thailand during the 2nd International Summit of Chambers (ISC-2) in Phnom Penh on 27–28 August 2026. The statement said that, on behalf of the Senate President, he wished to clarify that the Senate had established an Ad Hoc Committee to study the pros and cons of cancelling the MOU 2000 and MOU 2001 in order to resolve Thailand-Cambodia border problems. The study report was approved by the Senate and submitted to the government on 18 May 2026. The Senate has also appointed an Advisory Committee on Foreign Affairs to continuously monitor the situation between Thailand and Cambodia.
The Senate President issued the statement to categorically reject the baseless accusations made by the President of the Cambodian Senate in his remarks on 27 August 2026 at the 2nd International Summit of Chambers (ISC-2) in Phnom Penh. It is a profound contradiction that the country which fired the first shots is now invoking the principles of territorial sovereignty and peaceful dispute resolution. Conflict with a neighbouring country is not something Thailand desires. In fact, Thailand exercised its legitimate right of self-defence and has strictly adhered to the Joint Statement of the 3rd Special Session of the Thailand-Cambodia General Border Committee (GBC), No. 3/2025, dated 27 December 2025, which led to the ceasefire that remains in effect to this day. Cambodia has once again used an international forum to spread groundless accusations and false information, and to employ a strategy of portraying itself as a victim. Such conduct undermines the building of mutual trust and confidence, and does not foster an atmosphere conducive to the peaceful resolution of conflict between the two countries, as stipulated in the joint statement to which both sides have committed.
For its part, Thailand has strictly complied with this joint statement, which requires both sides to maintain their current military positions without further troop movements while awaiting the demarcation process. It also calls on both sides to refrain from provocative actions, avoid spreading false information, and exercise restraint to reduce tensions. Thailand remains committed to resolving important issues through mutually agreed-upon mechanisms, in accordance with existing agreements and international law. The dispute between the two countries should not be internationalised, exploited for political gain, or have its facts distorted. Transitioning the Thailand-Cambodia relationship into a new context requires mutual trust, restraint, and sincerity from both sides. Thailand calls on Cambodia to work with Thailand in good faith, including in addressing shared challenges such as online fraud and unexploded ordnance clearance, in order to promote a positive atmosphere and drive the relationship forward.
Reporters covering the conference noted that the President of the Cambodian Senate accused Thailand of firing on Cambodia and causing a large number of Cambodians to be displaced.
Full Text of the Senate President's Statement
Statement by the President of the Senate
Regarding the Remarks Targeting Thailand by the President of the Cambodian Senate
During the 2nd International Summit of Chambers (ISC-2) in Phnom Penh
27–28 August 2026
* On behalf of the Senate President, I wish to clarify that the Senate has established an Ad Hoc Committee to study the pros and cons of cancelling the MOU 2000 and MOU 2001 in order to resolve Thailand-Cambodia border problems. The study report was approved by the Senate and submitted to the government on 18 May 2026. The Senate has also appointed an Advisory Committee on Foreign Affairs to continuously monitor the situation between Thailand and Cambodia.
* The Senate President issues this statement to categorically reject the baseless accusations made by the President of the Cambodian Senate in his remarks on 27 August 2026 at the 2nd International Summit of Chambers (ISC-2) in Phnom Penh.
* It is a profound contradiction that the country which fired the first shots is now invoking the principles of territorial sovereignty and peaceful dispute resolution.
* Conflict with a neighbouring country is not something Thailand desires. In fact, Thailand exercised its legitimate right of self-defence and has strictly adhered to the Joint Statement of the 3rd Special Session of the Thailand-Cambodia General Border Committee (GBC), No. 3/2025, dated 27 December 2025, which led to the ceasefire that remains in effect to this day.
* Cambodia has once again used an international forum to spread groundless accusations and false information, and to employ a strategy of portraying itself as a victim. Such conduct undermines the building of mutual trust and confidence, and does not foster an atmosphere conducive to the peaceful resolution of conflict between the two countries, as stipulated in the joint statement to which both sides have committed.
* For its part, Thailand has strictly complied with this joint statement, which requires both sides to maintain their current military positions without further troop movements while awaiting the demarcation process. It also calls on both sides to refrain from provocative actions, avoid spreading false information, and exercise restraint to reduce tensions.
* Thailand remains committed to resolving important issues through mutually agreed-upon mechanisms, in accordance with existing agreements and international law. The dispute between the two countries should not be internationalised, exploited for political gain, or have its facts distorted.
* Transitioning the Thailand-Cambodia relationship into a new context requires mutual trust, restraint, and sincerity from both sides.
* Thailand calls on Cambodia to work with Thailand in good faith, including in addressing shared challenges such as online fraud and unexploded ordnance clearance, in order to promote a positive atmosphere and drive the relationship forward.
President of the Senate
Friday, 28 August 2026
