BANGKOK – Thai Foreign Minister Sihasak Phuangketkeow has publicly expressed deep disappointment with the United States, stating that recent remarks by President Donald Trump about the Thai-Cambodian border conflict were based on misinformation and factual inaccuracies. The criticism follows a phone call between President Trump and Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul regarding the escalating clashes, Thai PBS World reported.

Thai PM Anutin to Trump: ‘We Are Defending Our People from Cambodian Attacks’

During a press briefing, Sihasak stated that Thailand felt compelled to correct the record after Trump’s post on X. He emphasized that Thailand had informed the U.S. President it was Cambodia that violated the joint peace declaration signed in Kuala Lumpur in late October. While Thailand appreciated Trump’s desire for a ceasefire, Sihasak stressed that Thai military actions were solely defensive retaliations against Cambodian aggression to protect the nation and its people.

The Foreign Minister took strong issue with Trump’s characterization of landmine explosions injuring Thai soldiers as “roadside accidents.” He categorically rejected this, stating there had been seven deliberate incidents involving newly laid Cambodian landmines that caused serious injuries, including amputations. Sihasak noted he had already presented photographic, video, and documentary evidence of these acts at a recent Ottawa Convention meeting in Geneva.

Thailand is disappointed with the Trump administration’s decision to suspend tariff talks with Thailand temporarily, until the Thai government promises to revive the joint declaration with Cambodia, Nikorndej Balankura, spokesman for the Thai Foreign Ministry, said today.… pic.twitter.com/wFitKVa5bb

— Thai PBS World (@ThaiPBSWorld) November 15, 2025

Sihasak also cited a fresh escalation on Friday morning, where Cambodian BM-21 multiple-launch rockets struck civilian areas, wounding four civilians. He defended Thailand’s military response as proportionate and defensive. In response to Trump’s suggestion of using satellite technology to verify responsibility for the clashes, Sihasak welcomed transparent fact-finding but insisted it must also be used to establish facts about the new landmines.

Beyond the immediate conflict, the Foreign Minister highlighted additional cross-border security threats, including online scams and human trafficking operations based along the border. He announced Thailand will host a high-level international meeting on December 17th to strengthen partnerships in combating cybercrime.

Cambodia Accused of Using Civilian Cover to Resume Rocket Attacks on Thailand

On trade, Sihasak welcomed Trump’s support for keeping tariff negotiations separate from the border dispute, stating talks should focus on mutual economic benefits. He concluded by expressing grave concern for the safety of nearly 7,000 Thai nationals stranded at the Poipet border crossing, accusing Cambodia of violating international humanitarian law by suspending cross-border travel without explanation after initially agreeing to a humanitarian reopening.

-Thailand News (TN)