BANGKOK, Thailand – Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul has called on the public to remain patient as Thai–Cambodian border talks continue under the General Border Committee (GBC) at the secretary-general level in Chanthaburi, noting that the discussions are still in their early phase, with several days of meetings remaining.
The premier said the opening session was held in a constructive atmosphere at a location within the agreed border area, and that the Cambodian delegation raised no security concerns. Anutin added that Thailand will continue to proceed strictly through bilateral channels in line with the framework set by the National Security Council, with no plans to shift the process to any third country.
The prime minister said he has been briefed on Thailand’s negotiating framework and proposals, but stressed that the conduct of the talks must remain with the officials working on site. He urged the public to wait for the full outcome before drawing conclusions.
Addressing a statement from India’s Ministry of External Affairs regarding the removal of a Hindu deity statue in the Chong Ahn Ma area, Anutin said he has not yet received an official report but that the issue remains part of the bilateral process overseen by the National Security Council.
In response to reports that Cambodia had sent correspondence regarding ceasefire discussions, followed by a later clarification, Anutin said that developments should be judged by actual events rather than paperwork. He stated that Thailand has acted in accordance with its right to self-defense in response to cross-border aggression and that negotiations would continue through the GBC process. Once the talks conclude, he said both sides must respect the decisions of their joint committees, and if successful, the defense ministers will proceed with formal signing, expressing hope that Cambodia will uphold the agreement. (NNT)
