Cambodia Denies Thai Accusations at UN, Addresses Preah Vihear Temple Issues

Ambassador Ke Sovann, Cambodia's Permanent Representative to the United Nations in Geneva, intervened at the 63rd session of the UN Human Rights Council on September 16, 2026, to refute baseless accusations from Thailand. During the interactive dialogue under Agenda Item 3, "Interactive dialogue on the analytical report of the High Commissioner on the human rights of women and children in situations of conflict and post-conflict," Ambassador Ke Sovann highlighted the profound impact of armed conflicts on civilians, particularly women and children. He noted that over 20,000 Cambodians remain displaced and that Cambodian land is affected by new cluster bombs resulting from the Cambodia-Thailand border conflict. He called for full respect for international law, international humanitarian law, and human rights law to protect civilians from the effects of war. Concurrently, the Ambassador denied "baseless accusations" from Thailand and clarified issues related to the initiation of hostilities, landmines, damage to cultural heritage (especially Preah Vihear Temple), UN reports on displacement, destruction of civilian infrastructure, and illegal activities by the Thai army on Cambodian territory under unlawful occupation. He reiterated Cambodia's call for full respect for the Joint Statement dated December 27, 2025. This intervention comes amidst the long-standing border dispute between Cambodia and Thailand, particularly concerning the territorial claims around the UNESCO World Heritage site of Preah Vihear Temple. Cambodia's official rebuttal on the international stage in response to Thai accusations highlights the sensitive nature of bilateral relations between the two nations.