Summary of the Weekly Press Briefing by the Deputy Director-General of the Department of Information and MFA Deputy Spokesperson on 12 January 2026 at 16:30 hrs.

Summary of the Weekly Press Briefing

By the Deputy Director-General of the Department of Information and MFA Deputy Spokesperson

on 12 January 2026 at 16:30 hrs.
MFA Press Conference Room

1. Latest Developments on the Thailand - Cambodia border situation

• Since the ceasefire took effect following the signing of the Joint Statement by Thailand and Cambodia on 27 December 2025, the situation along the Thai - Cambodian border has remained relatively calm. Despite an explosion and firing incident that injured one Thai soldier on 6 January 2026, both sides managed to promptly communicate with each other, both at the central and local levels, which helped de-escalate the situation in a timely manner.
• Thailand has respected and strictly complied with all provisions of the Joint Statement on the ceasefire, including Article 6, which states that both sides agree not to undertake provocative actions that may escalate tensions, and Article 8, which requests both sides to refrain from disseminating false information or fake news in order to de-escalate tensions, mitigate negative public sentiment, and foster an environment conducive to peaceful dialogue.
• However, it is observed that Cambodia continues to engage in various forms of provocation, particularly through the issuance of statements, press releases, as well as interviews given by senior officials that make unfounded and unsubstantiated accusations against Thailand.
• Two examples include:

1. Impact of the fighting on historic sites and cultural heritage
   • Thailand, as a State Party to both the Hague Convention 1954 and the World Heritage Convention 1972, has strictly abided by its obligations under the said conventions. However, Thailand has clear evidence that the Cambodian armed forces used historic sites as military bases, both to store weapons and from which to launch attacks against Thai forces.
   • Such actions by the Cambodian side constitute violations of both conventions, which require Cambodia, also a State Party, to protect and refrain from using historic sites or cultural property for military purposes.
   • Thailand, therefore, had imperative necessity to undertake military operations in self-defense and to prevent Cambodia's use of said historic sites for military purposes. Thailand's actions were carried out in accordance with international law and guided by the principles of necessity and proportionality, and were directed solely at military targets, with the aim of neutralizing Cambodia's military threats against Thailand.

1. Expressions of opinions amounting to interference in the internal affairs of another State

• While the situation along the border remains relatively calm, both sides should refrain from any actions that could be considered provocative and that risk causing renewed tensions.
• Therefore, any expressions of views - particularly those that may imply interference in the other's internal affairs - are inappropriate, undermine conduct between States, and do not reflect a genuine commitment to upholding the Joint Statement or seeking a mutually acceptable solution.
• This is not the first time that an incident of this nature has occurred. The Thai side therefore strongly urges the Cambodian side to cease such conduct, which undermines mutual trust and relations between the two countries.

• Thailand continues to call on Cambodia to refrain from making unfounded accusations and disseminating false and distorted information that undermine an atmosphere conducive to peaceful dialogue. Thailand urges the Cambodian side to demonstrate its sincere commitment to implementing the Joint Statement, in order to restore lasting peace and stability along the border.

1. Situation in Iran

• Following the recent demonstrations in the Islamic Republic of Iran, which have now continued for more than two weeks since 28 December 2025, protests have taken place in Tehran and other major cities across the country, and the situation remains fluid and evolving.
• The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has been closely monitoring this and hopes that the situation will be resolved peacefully and return to normalcy at the soonest.
• The Royal Thai Embassy in Tehran has issued advisories to Thai nationals in Iran, urging them to exercise caution in their daily lives, avoid being near large gatherings or demonstrations, as well as regularly follow updates from credible sources and official announcements by the Iranian authorities.
• The Department of Consular Affairs has advised Thai nationals who do not have any urgency to travel to Iran to postpone their plans and has requested Thai tourists currently in Iran to avoid travelling to areas where demonstrations are taking place.
• At present, there are approximately 190 Thai nationals in Iran. The Royal Thai Embassy in Tehran has maintained regular contact and coordination with the Thai community and has prepared contingency assistance plans, including evacuation should the need arise.
• Thai nationals in need of assistance may contact the Royal Thai Embassy in Tehran or the Department of Consular Affairs through the following channels:

(1) the Royal Thai Embassy in Tehran, Tel. (+98) 912 500 7933 or (+98) 912 159 8699;

(2) the emergency contact for the Protection of Thai Nationals Abroad Division, Tel. (+66) 96 216 1837, (+66) 96 183 6736, or (+66) 64 564 7573;

(3) the Department of Consular Affairs Call Center, Tel. (+66) 2 572 8442 (24 hrs);

(4) via the THAI CONSULAR application.

Watch the full session at: https://fb.watch/EAAwwnwI8i/?