Thailand presents its case at a Permanent Court of Arbitration (PCA) hearing in Singapore, saying Cambodia is “playing the victim.” Thailand’s foreign minister, Sihasak Phuangketkeow, tells the global mediators that Bangkok is being portrayed through what he calls false narratives and unfounded accusations, raised at international forums.
The hearing takes place after two rounds of deadly border clashes between the two countries last year. Both Thailand and Cambodia dispute aspects of the cause and conduct of the fighting, and the case is being heard at the PCA’s Singapore outpost. Free Malaysia Today and CNA both report Thailand’s allegations that Cambodia’s approach is to depict Thailand unfavorably, while Thailand argues that the record is being distorted.
The outlets differ mainly in emphasis: CNA highlights Thailand’s language describing Cambodia’s supposed efforts to vilify Thailand, while Free Malaysia Today frames the message more generally as an accusation that Cambodia seeks sympathy by portraying itself as the victim.
