Thai Foreign Minister Open to Talks with Cambodia on Border Conflict
Sihasak Phuangketkeow lists 'permanent ceasefire' and 'demining' among three crucial points for future dialogue, but notes a lack of sincerity from Phnom Penh
Thailand’s Foreign Minister, Sihasak Phuangketkeow, has confirmed that the Thai government is not closing the door to negotiations with Cambodia aimed at resolving the long-standing border conflict.
Addressing the Parliament during a policy briefing on Tuesday, Sihasak acknowledged that resolving the dispute between the two nations would be a formidable task, stating that the strategy must involve transcending the existing conflict.
He stressed that while future talks would focus on peace-building, they would not touch upon the issue of territorial sovereignty.
The Minister maintained that although Thailand was prepared for dialogue, the country was currently awaiting a clear signal of readiness from the Cambodian side.
Sihasak expressed concern over the current situation, citing the “complex problems” and Cambodia’s “inconsistent approach” as complicating factors.
Furthermore, he noted that the Cambodian government has yet to demonstrate "sincerity" towards commencing the talks.
However, the Foreign Minister outlined the three key areas Thailand would be seeking to negotiate once talks begin:
- Establishing a permanent ceasefire.
- Demining and removing heavy weapons from the disputed areas.
- Cracking down on transnational crime to bring calm and stability to the border region.
Emphasising the need for a unified national front, Sihasak highlighted the importance of a clear strategy that goes beyond mere stop-gap measures.
"Foreign affairs must start at home with unity in our work," he stated. "The Ministry of Foreign Affairs, which I oversee, focuses on working in lockstep with the military. Currently, diplomacy must support the military, but when the opportunity arises, the military must in turn support diplomacy."
