Cambodia Urges Thailand to Attend ASEAN Civil Service Meeting in Person

PHNOM PENH, July 22, 2026 (KPT) – Cambodia has urged Thailand to attend an upcoming ASEAN civil service meeting in person, assuring that Thai delegates would receive the same treatment as all other participating countries, despite ongoing tensions between the two neighbors. Chhi Vicheara, Secretary of State at the Ministry of Civil Service, made the appeal during a press conference on July 21. Cambodia is hosting the 23rd ASEAN Cooperation on Civil Service Matters (ACCSM) meeting and the 8th ACCSM+3 meeting in Siem Reap as chair of the regional mechanism. Vicheara stated that Cambodia had formally invited all ASEAN member states, including Thailand, to attend in person. Thai authorities informed Phnom Penh that their delegation would participate virtually instead. Cambodia respects the decision but hopes Bangkok will reconsider, she said. "Whether a country decides to attend or not is entirely its own decision. Cambodia’s responsibility is to extend the invitation. If Thailand chooses not to come, or chooses to participate online, that is its right," she remarked. She added that Thailand’s choice might be linked to ongoing border tensions, though Cambodia is unaware of the specific reasons. Deputy Prime Minister and Civil Service Minister Hun Many has also conveyed the government’s wish for Thailand to attend in person. Vicheara emphasized that Cambodia would welcome the Thai delegation "without any discrimination" and provide the same hospitality afforded to all ASEAN member states. The meetings, held in Siem Reap under the theme 'Innovation for Better Service Delivery,' will convene ASEAN representatives along with officials from China, Japan, and South Korea for the ACCSM+3 session.