Phnom Penh: The Cambodia-Thailand Friendly Football Matches, held in celebration of the 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the Kingdom of Cambodia and the Kingdom of Thailand, took place on Mar. 8 afternoon. In the first match, the Kun Khmer Football Team secured a 3-2 victory against the Muay Thai Football Team. Meanwhile, in the second match, the Thai Celebrities Team defeated the Cambodian Football Superstars Team with a score of 2-1.
According to Agence Kampuchea Presse, the event was held at the Olympic National Stadium in Phnom Penh under the patronage of H.E. Prak Sokhonn, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation of the Kingdom of Cambodia, along with visiting H.E. Maris Sangiampongsa, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Kingdom of Thailand. H.E. Khuong Sreng, Governor of Phnom Penh, noted that the football event contributed to the advancement of strategic cooperation between Cambodia and Thailand, further strengthening and expanding bilateral ties.
Cambodia and Thailand established diplomatic relations on Dec. 19, 1950. Over the past 75 years, the two neighbouring nations have deepened cooperation in sectors such as politics, economy, culture, healthcare, education, military, and security. Additionally, the sister city relationship between Phnom Penh and Bangkok has been reinforced. Under the leadership of former Cambodian Prime Minister Samdech Akka Moha Sena Padei Techo Hun Sen and former Thai Prime Minister H.E. Thaksin Shinawatra, the partnership between both countries flourished, with greater connectivity across all fields.
Today, under Prime Minister Samdech Moha Borvor Thipadei Hun Manet and his Thai counterpart, bilateral cooperation continues to expand, bringing mutual benefits in a spirit of equality, solidarity, and shared prosperity. H.E. Khuong Sreng highlighted that the friendly football matches were not only a tribute to the 75th anniversary of Cambodia-Thailand diplomatic relations but also a platform for deeper people-to-people connections, particularly between athletes and artistes from both nations. This sporting event symbolised friendship, unity, and cross-cultural exchange, reinforcing long-standing ties between the two countries.
For his part, H.E. Maris Sangiampongsa stated that the Thai government remains committed to close collaboration with Cambodia, engaging both public and private sectors, as well as citizens from both nations. He underscored the importance of Buddhist values of unity and harmony as guiding principles for continued progress. He also stressed that the futures of Cambodia and Thailand are interconnected, calling for joint development and cooperation to ensure sustained growth and prosperity.
In reply, H.E. Prak Sokhonn highlighted the crucial role of sports in strengthening diplomatic ties, fostering greater understanding between the Cambodian and Thai peoples. He recalled that 14 years ago, a similar historic friendly football match was organised between Cambodia and Thailand, led by then-Prime Minister Samdech Techo Hun Sen and his Thai counterpart at the time. At the conclusion of this year’s friendly matches, all four participating teams were awarded honorary trophies, marking yet another milestone in Cambodia-Thailand diplomatic and sporting history.