BANGKOK, Thailand – Thailand and Cambodia are set to hold General Border Committee (GBC) talks on December 24, following a Special ASEAN Ministers’ Meeting on the bilateral situation, as Thailand reiterated that lasting peace must be supported by concrete action rather than statements alone. The meeting was held in Kuala Lumpur and chaired by Malaysian Foreign Minister Dato’ Seri Utama Haji Mohamad bin Haji Hasan in his capacity as ASEAN chair.
Foreign Minister Sihasak Phuangketkeow attended the meeting and expressed appreciation to Malaysia and ASEAN member states for facilitating dialogue and encouraging both sides to return to bilateral mechanisms. Thailand made clear its readiness to engage constructively and acknowledged ASEAN’s role in supporting dialogue grounded in facts and on-the-ground realities.
During the discussions, Thailand restated its pursuit of genuine and sustainable peace while raising concerns over repeated violations of the joint declaration between the two countries. Thai officials cited continued landmine activity as a serious concern, noting that such actions have caused injuries and posed ongoing risks to civilians and military personnel, including a recent incident in which a Thai soldier lost a leg.
Thailand also outlined three conditions it considers essential for de-escalation: Cambodia must be the first to declare a ceasefire, the ceasefire must be genuine and verifiable through military mechanisms, and Cambodia must cooperate fully in landmine clearance efforts. Thai representatives stressed that unilateral declarations cannot lead to lasting stability without verifiable on-the-ground action.
The GBC meeting scheduled for December 24 is expected to address implementation measures and verification procedures for the ceasefire. Thailand said it remains prepared to engage in discussions based on national interest, sovereignty, and territorial integrity, while expressing hope that Cambodia will demonstrate sincerity through tangible steps that ensure safety and security along the border. (NNT)
