The Cambodian delegation to the 151st Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) Assembly in Geneva has issued a formal clarification in response to reports published by The Nation Thailand, calling the coverage “false information” and “a distortion of the truth” that unfairly tarnishes Cambodia’s reputation.
In an October 23 statement, the delegation expressed “considerable dismay” over the article, which alleged that Cambodia aligned with China to sideline Thailand during the drafting of an emergency resolution on transnational scams and cybercrime.
The clarification comes after The Nation published several articles on the IPU event, two of which — “Wan Noor and Rangsiman reveal how Thailand made history with IPU win on anti-scam and cybercrime motion” and “Cambodia elevates China and sidelines Thailand at IPU over scam resolution” — directly alleged Cambodian obstruction or political manoeuvring at the assembly.
It quoted Thai House Speaker Wan Muhamad Noor Matha as saying that Cambodia “did not want the motion to pass” and “may face scrutiny from the international community” for being a hub of scam operations.
“The Delegation of Cambodia to the 151st Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) Assembly has observed with considerable dismay that, on October 23, The Nation shamelessly spread false information and distorted the truth,” said the statement.
The Cambodian spokesperson said such reports were “reckless” and “posed a serious threat to peace, stability and prosperity for the mutual benefit of the Cambodian and Thai people”.
The clarification firmly denied accusations that Cambodia sought to undermine Thailand’s role.
“At no time — neither before, during nor after the nomination process — did Cambodia try to exclude, ignore or marginalise any delegation,” the statement read.
According to the Cambodian delegation, its membership in the 11-member Drafting Committee was based on a consensus nomination by the Asia-Pacific Group (APG), the regional bloc representing both Cambodia and Thailand within the IPU.
The committee’s overall composition, including its chair and rapporteurs, was determined collectively by all six geopolitical groups under the supervision of the IPU President and Secretariat.
The delegation emphasised that Cambodia’s role was constructive and aimed at promoting cooperation rather than confrontation.
Its participation, it said, sought to ensure that the final text of the resolution would “reflect the transnational nature of such crimes, encourage regional cooperation rather than blame or finger-pointing, and uphold the principles of multilateralism and mutual assistance consistent with ASEAN spirit and IPU values”.
The statement also refuted The Nation’s claim that Thailand had been “relegated to an advisory role”.
It explained that, under IPU procedures, the formal voting rights of any delegation in a drafting committee depend on nominations made by its respective geopolitical group — a rule that applies equally to all member states.
“The statement made at today’s General Assembly did not indicate that Thailand was assigned to an advisory role,” the statement added.
Reaffirming Cambodia’s stance, the delegation said it worked with all partners, including Thailand, China and other committee members, “based on mutual respect and shared interest to establish a balanced and effective resolution”.
“The Delegation of Cambodia proudly expresses its full support for the newly adopted resolution — an achievement born of the collective wisdom, cooperation and shared dedication of all member states,” the statement continued.
The Cambodian delegation underscored that its conduct at the IPU Assembly was guided by “transparency, professionalism, integrity and sincerity,” reaffirming its firm commitment to international cooperation in the global fight against online scams and cybercrime
