DFA issues statement on ongoing Thailand-Cambodia border dispute

A day after fresh clash led to an airstrike and at least a dozen casualties.

In its statement issued on Friday, July 25, the Philippines’ Department of Foreign Affairs expressed the country’s stance on the ongoing dispute between Thailand and Cambodia.

The DFA wrote, “We are hopeful our two fellow ASEAN member states will resolve this issue in accordance with international law and the peaceful settlement of disputes.”

“We urge both parties to extend due consideration and care to innocent civilians who may be affected by the ongoing conflict,” it added.

The agency also underscored the country’s impartiality on the matter, but unsercored the importance of “maintaining open lines of communication and ensuring the de-escalation of the situation.“

“We are continually monitoring the situation and we are ready to extend all possible assistance to Filipinos living in these two countries if necessary. To date, no Filipino nationals have been reported to be affected by this conflict,” the statement ended.

In view of the fights along the Thailand-Cambodia border, the Philippine Embassy in Thailand has urgently advised members of the Filipino community in the border provinces of Ubon Ratchatani, Si Sa Ket, Surin, Sa Kaeo, Buri Ram, Chantaburi, and Trat to “earnestly follow the advice, including any evacuation orders, from local public safety and community officials, their employers, and other pertinent authorities in the affected areas.“

It added, “All overseas Filipinos (OFs) in areas near the border are also enjoined to exercise extreme caution, remain vigilant, take steps to ensure their personal safety, and report their whereabouts to the Philippine Embassy.”

The embassy also instructed the Filipino community to actively monitor official communication channels for security updates.

Meanwhile, it has advised that travel by Filipinos to the aforementioned provinces is “highly discouraged” due to the ongoing situation.

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