Cambodia, Thailand Agree To Tackle Security Issues To Reinforce Border Ceasefire

By Vijian Paramasivam, Kenny Teng & Wilawan Watcharasakwet

PHNOM PENH, Aug 22 (Bernama) -- Cambodia and Thailand have agreed to address critical security concerns to reinforce the ceasefire sustaining peace along their shared border, during the Cambodia-Thailand Extraordinary Regional Border Committee (RBC) meeting in Thailand’s Sa Kaeo Province on Friday. 

The Cambodian delegation was led by Lt Gen Ek Sam Aun, Commander of the 5th Military Region, while the Thai delegation was headed by Lt Gen Amnat Boonsuya, Commander of the First Army Region.

In a statement, the Royal Cambodian Armed Forces said both sides pledged to tackle cross-border crimes, including online scams, drug and human trafficking, arms smuggling, and demining activities.

“The meeting aimed at fostering discussion and increasing confidence to de-escalate tensions, maintain peace along the border using all necessary mechanisms to resolve differences in the spirit of good neighbourliness, friendship and solidarity,” the statement read.

Cambodia and Thailand also agreed in principle to establish a Coordinating Group (CG) and Township Border Committee (TBC) to involve all stakeholders in promoting border security, with local commanders set to meet weekly until the new bodies are established.

Talks further touched on addressing the issues of barbed wire, tyres, and other obstructions, to ensure the safety of people returning to their homes and reduce the impacts on their livelihoods, the statement stated. 

At the meeting, Cambodia and Thailand also reaffirmed their commitment to implementing the ceasefire as outlined in the 13-point agreement, underlining the importance of intensifying communication at all levels to build trust and promote good neighbourliness. 

“They also underscored the positive momentum and progress achieved through these engagements in advancing cooperation across all sectors, with the shared aim of returning to normalcy,” said the statement.  

Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet, in his Facebook page posting on Friday, welcomed the positive outcomes of the RBC meeting.

Meanwhile, Amnat said the meeting on Friday agreed on three of four new proposals submitted by Thailand, including humanitarian landmine clearance, a joint crackdown on scam operations, and the establishment of a coordination mechanism.

“The outcome reflected the strong determination of both countries to cooperate in maintaining peace and order along the border, thereby contributing to the stability and well-being of the peoples of Thailand and Cambodia,” he told a press conference after the RBC meeting in Sa Kaeo province.

However, he noted that Thailand’s fourth proposal, concerning violations of the 2000 Memorandum of Understanding (MOU 43), was deemed outside the RBC’s authority, with Cambodia suggesting it be addressed through other mechanisms, particularly the Joint Boundary Commission (JBC).

Thai local media reported that Deputy Defence Minister Gen Nattapon Nakpanich, currently acting defence minister, described the RBC meeting as a positive sign of Cambodia’s sincerity at the policy level to pursue bilateral dialogue.

Cambodia and Thailand are working to establish enduring peace along their 817-kilometre border, which has been a source of contention and led to a military confrontation in the Oddar Meanchey and Preah Vihear border areas on July 24.

Both governments agreed to defuse the situation, which was carefully monitored by Malaysia, as the ASEAN chair, the United States and China on July 24. 

-- BERNAMA