Thai Journalist Criticizes Bangkok's Combative Tone at UNCLOS Conciliation

CAMBODIA, September 16, 2026 – A senior Thai journalist has publicly criticized his own government's combative approach at the first UNCLOS conciliation hearing with Cambodia in Singapore, warning that the negative tone will harm relations and cost both peoples.

Writing on social media, Pravit Rojanaphruk, a senior journalist at Khaosod English, said it was "unfortunate and unnecessary" that Thai Foreign Minister Sihasak Phuangketkeow branded Cambodia as "playing the victim" during his opening statement on September 15. He described the remark as setting an "unconstructive tone that's combative."

The journalist further noted that international media, including the Japan Times citing AFP, focused on that accusation as the main headline—rather than the peaceful and reconciliatory remarks made by the Thai minister.

"The foreign press... focused on it as the main headline instead of other peaceful and reconciliatory remarks," he wrote, adding that "Sihasak only got himself to blame."

The criticism comes after Cambodia initiated the compulsory conciliation process under UNCLOS following Thailand's unilateral termination of the 2001 Memorandum of Understanding in May. During the hearing, Cambodia's Deputy Prime Minister Prak Sokhonn set out three concrete proposals: a comprehensive maritime boundary treaty, a joint development agreement, and a Commission report to guide future negotiations.

While Thailand's foreign minister stated that Bangkok remains committed to peaceful dispute settlement, he argued the 2001 MOU "had produced no concrete progress" and accused Cambodia of distorting facts.

The Thai journalist concluded with a stark warning: "The negative impact will be on Thai-Cambodia relations, and both Thais and Cambodians will have to pay the price."

Source: Pravit Rojanaphruk, Senior Journalist of Khaosod English

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Reported by The Khmer Today