Diplomatic protest filed over letterListen to this articleThailand has lodged a formal diplomatic protest with Cambodia following the publication of an open letter by a Cambodian senator, which the government says crossed diplomatic boundaries. "The open letter published by Cambodian media politicising the Thai monarchy is highly inappropriate and reflects an unfortunate lack of sound judgement," he said. Mr Nikondej said Foreign Affairs Minister Sihasak Phuangketkeow had instructed the ministry to move swiftly to clarify Thailand's position, issue a formal letter of protest to the Cambodian government, and send written responses to the Cambodian media outlet involved. According to Mr Sihasak, the publication amounts to interference in Thailand's internal affairs and contravenes basic diplomatic etiquette, the Asean charter, and Clause 6 of the joint statement signed by both sides on Dec 27, 2025, which commits them to each refrain from actions or statements that could provoke heightened tensions. Thailand has urged Cambodia to ensure senior figures in its government and parliament exercise restraint, refrain from issuing provocative statements, and sincerely adhere to bilateral commitments to rebuild mutual trust.

Source: Bangkok Post January 21, 2026 22:24 UTC