An Open Letter to the Thai Prime Minister, Who Ignores the ASEAN Charter and Disrespects Cambodia’s Sovereignty

[A screen shot of The Nation Thailand article which details the purpose of the phone call. ANN/The Nation]

-Opinion-

I am deeply concerned — and frankly disappointed — by a recent announcement by Thai Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul. According to The Nation Thailand, he was scheduled to hold a telephone conversation with South Korean President Lee Jae Myung today, October 16, at 3.30pm local time, to discuss South Korean nationals who have allegedly been deceived into forced labour in Cambodia.

While the safety of South Korean nationals is important, I believe Anutin is overstepping his authority. By engaging directly with another country on matters involving Cambodia, he is interfering in my country’s internal affairs — an action that clearly violates the ASEAN Charter principle of non-interference. From my perspective, this is not just a diplomatic misstep; it is a disrespectful gesture toward Cambodia’s sovereignty.

Cambodia’s right to handle its own domestic issues must be respected. I see Anutin’s actions as either a lack of understanding or a blatant disregard for ASEAN’s founding principles—neither of which is acceptable from the leader of a neighbouring country.

ASEAN was built on mutual respect and trust. Unilateral moves like this undermine Cambodia’s interests and erode the credibility of the regional bloc. In my opinion, Thailand should always engage through proper diplomatic channels rather than taking steps that appear to look down upon a fellow member state.

The call is, in my view, a critical test of Thailand’s respect for ASEAN norms and Cambodia’s sovereignty. I strongly hope that Thailand will reconsider its approach and stop treating Cambodia’s affairs as its own.

Tesh Chanthorn is a Cambodian citizen who longs for peace. The views and opinions expressed are his own.

-The Phnom Penh Post-