Incoming Thai Foreign Minister Cautious on Border Reopening
Sihasak Phuangketkeow says Cambodia’s response to recent talks must be monitored before a final decision is made, prioritising citizen safety
- The incoming Foreign Minister has stated that reopening the Thai-Cambodian border is conditional on Cambodia's willingness to implement agreements from a recent bilateral meeting.
- He emphasized that the safety of local residents is the top priority and must be ensured before any other measures are considered.
- While the outcome of a recent General Border Committee meeting was described as "positive," the minister stressed that the key factor for moving forward is the actual implementation of the agreements.
Thailand’s incoming Foreign Minister Sihasak Phuangketkeow has said that any decision on reopening the Thai-Cambodian border crossings will depend on Cambodia’s willingness to implement agreements from a recent bilateral meeting.
Sihasak, arriving at the Bhumjaithai Party headquarters on Saturday, stressed that the safety of local residents is the top priority.
The issue of the border, which has been a source of tension and a subject of public debate on social media, was on the agenda for today's policy discussions among incoming cabinet members.
Sihasak stated that he would first review the results of the General Border Committee (GBC) meeting, which was attended by acting Defence Minister General Natthapol Nakpanich.
“From the results, it seems positive. We need to see if they will act on it. Most importantly, the safety of the people in the area comes first, and then we can consider other measures,” Sihasak told reporters.
When pressed on his personal view on the border closure, he reiterated that the matter required careful discussion and said that while the GBC meeting’s outcome was "good," the key factor would be "implementation."
He also expressed hope that the new Thai government would be met with "sincerity" from Cambodia.
Sihasak was among a number of non-MP cabinet members who arrived at the Bhumjaithai Party headquarters today to finalise policies for the upcoming parliamentary address. Other incoming ministers present included Attaphol Rerkpiboon (Energy), General Natthapol Nakpanich (Defence), and Suphajee Suthumphan (Commerce).
General Natthapol briefly addressed the GBC meeting results and the public calls not to reopen the Thai-Cambodian border in Chanthaburi and Trat provinces, simply stating, "There is nothing to report."
A meeting with Bhumjaithai Party MPs was scheduled for 3:00 p.m. to discuss the upcoming parliamentary session.
