On 29 January 2026, Cambodia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation issued a press statement responding to a legal complaint filed by the Secretary-General of Thailand’s National Security Council in a Thai local court. The complaint is related to military operations along the Cambodia–Thailand border in 2025 and concerns Cambodia’s senior leadership, including the President of the Senate and the Prime Minister.
In the statement, Cambodia indicated concern regarding the legal action and stated that it could affect ongoing efforts to reduce tensions between the two countries. The ministry noted that the complaint is not consistent with existing ceasefire arrangements and joint border mechanisms. Rather than addressing military events or border claims, the statement focused on a legal issue. It stated that domestic courts should not be used to initiate legal proceedings against senior officials of another state for actions undertaken in their official capacity. According to the statement, such proceedings are inconsistent with international legal principles and regional commitments under the ASEAN Charter and the Treaty of Amity and Cooperation.
Beyond the bilateral context, the case highlights broader challenges related to Southeast Asia’s rules-based order. ASEAN cooperation has generally relied on shared norms, including restraint, non-interference, and political dialogue, rather than formal legal enforcement. Domestic legal systems are primarily designed to address internal matters, and their involvement in interstate disputes may complicate political and security relations. If similar approaches are adopted more widely, they could affect existing practices related to sovereign immunity and diplomatic engagement.
Another notable aspect of the case is Cambodia’s choice to issue a public statement. In ASEAN diplomacy, responses are often handled through quiet or informal channels. A public press release indicates that Cambodia considered it necessary to clarify its position openly. The statement uses references to regional agreements and international legal principles and does not rely on nationalist language, suggesting that it was intended for a wider regional and international audience.
From this perspective, the statement addresses both the specific legal complaint and broader considerations related to conflict management. It reflects how states may use public communication to clarify positions, reference established norms, and manage tensions alongside existing diplomatic mechanisms.