Cambodia Denies Thai Media Allegations Over IPU Drafting Role

PHNOM PENH, Cambodia (Oct. 24, 2025) — Cambodia’s delegation to the 151st Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) Assembly has rejected allegations published by Thai media suggesting the country acted improperly during the nomination process for the IPU Drafting Committee.

In a statement issued Thursday, the delegation said it was “deeply dismayed” by a report from Nation media on Oct. 23, accusing it of spreading “false information” and “distorting the truth” in a way that sought to “tarnish Cambodia’s reputation and commitment to peace.”

The delegation said Cambodia was nominated to the Drafting Committee by consensus within the Asia-Pacific Group and did not attempt to exclude or marginalize any delegation.

It emphasized that the committee’s composition, including its chair and rapporteurs, was determined collectively by all six geopolitical groups under the supervision of the IPU president and secretariat.

Cambodia’s role, the statement said, focused on strengthening cooperation to combat transnational crimes and online scams, while promoting regional collaboration and multilateralism in line with ASEAN and IPU principles.

The delegation also rejected claims that Thailand had been relegated to an advisory role, calling the allegation “inaccurate and misleading.” It clarified that, under IPU procedures, the sponsoring country of a resolution may contribute to drafting, but voting rights are determined by group nominations—a standard practice in previous assemblies.

Cambodia concluded its participation was conducted “with dignity, transparency, and professionalism,” reaffirming its commitment to international cooperation.