Cambodia Urges Thailand to Attend ASEAN Civil Service Meeting in Person

 By: Ngoeul Narath

PHNOM PENH, July 22, 2026 (KPT) – Cambodia has urged Thailand to attend an upcoming ASEAN civil service meeting in person rather than online, saying Thai delegates would receive the same treatment as all other participating countries despite tensions between the two neighbours.

The appeal was made by Chhi Vicheara, Secretary of State at the Ministry of Civil Service, during a press conference on July 21. Cambodia is hosting the 23rd ASEAN Cooperation on Civil Service Matters (ACCSM) meeting and the 8th ACCSM+3 meeting in Siem Reap as chair of the regional mechanism.

Vicheara said Cambodia had formally invited all ASEAN member states, including Thailand, to attend in person. Thai authorities informed Phnom Penh their delegation would instead participate virtually. Cambodia respects the decision, she said, but hopes Bangkok will reconsider.

“Whether a country decides to attend or not is entirely its own decision. Cambodia’s responsibility is to extend the invitation. If Thailand chooses not to come, or chooses to participate online, that is its right,” she said.

She added Thailand’s choice may be linked to ongoing border tensions, though Cambodia did not know the reasons. Deputy Prime Minister and Civil Service Minister Hun Many has also expressed the government’s wish for Thailand to attend in person.

Vicheara stressed Cambodia would welcome the Thai delegation “without any discrimination” and provide the same hospitality afforded to all ASEAN member states.

The meetings, to be held in Siem Reap under the theme Innovation for Better Service Delivery, will gather ASEAN representatives along with officials from China, Japan and South Korea for the ACCSM+3 session.