Thailand Opts for Online Participation in ASEAN Public Service Ministers Meeting Hosted by Cambodia

Thailand has opted for online participation instead of attending in person at the 23rd ASEAN Conference on Civil Service Matters (ACCSM) and related events, which Cambodia is hosting in Siem Reap from August 3rd to 5th. Chea Vijara, Secretary of State of the Ministry of Public Service, confirmed this during a press conference on July 21st. She stated that while all ASEAN member states, including Thailand, were invited, Thailand indicated its preference to join online. Responding to questions about the necessity of inviting Thailand, given potential border tensions, Vijara explained that as the rotating chair of ASEAN, Cambodia has a duty to invite all member states to the ACCSM meetings. "The decision of whether a country participates or not is its right. However, Cambodia has the obligation to invite. Whether they participate online or not is their right. We understand there might be concerns due to border issues or other reasons, which we do not know," she elaborated. Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Public Service, Hun Many, had hoped for Thailand's direct participation. Cambodia was prepared to offer the same hospitality to the Thai delegation as to other ASEAN members, emphasizing Cambodian culture's non-discriminatory nature towards guests. This marks Cambodia's second time hosting the ACCSM conference, having previously hosted the 13th ACCSM during its 2005-2006 chairmanship. The 23rd ACCSM will convene under the theme "Innovation for Better Service Delivery."