Thai Foreign Minister Sihasak Phuangketkeow has informed a special ASEAN meeting of members’ foreign ministers in Kuala Lumpur that the decision to implement a ceasefire along the border with Cambodia depends on the military’s assessment and is guided by the principles of safeguarding national interests, protecting sovereignty and preserving territorial integrity.
Thailand, he said, wishes to see the restoration of peace, but peace must go hand in hand with public safety and long-term sustainability.
The meeting was convened at by Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, whose country holds the ASEAN chair until the end of this month.
During the meeting, Thailand reaffirmed its position based on the principles of Cambodia declaring a ceasefire first, the ceasefire being genuine and continuous, with observers in place, and Cambodia actively cooperating in landmine clearance.
Sihasak reiterated that Thailand seeks peace, but such a peace must ensure public safety and be sustainable.
Accompanying Sihasak to the meeting was Gen Natthapong Praokaew, Deputy Chief of the Defence Forces, while the Cambodian delegation was led by Foreign Minister Prak Sokhonn. Also attending were ASEAN Secretary-General Dr. Kao Kim Hourn and foreign ministers from Indonesia, Laos, Singapore, Timor-Leste and the Philippines.
Brunei was represented by its second foreign minister, Vietnam by a deputy foreign minister, while Myanmar participated virtually.
Malaysian Foreign Minister Mohamad Hasan opened the meeting with an address, followed by a briefing from the ASEAN Observer Team (AOT) on its recent activities. Member states were then invited to share their views.
Cambodia and Thailand spoke first, as the parties directly concerned, followed by the Philippines, as the incoming ASEAN Chair, and then other ASEAN members in alphabetical order. No official statement or outcome document was issued following the ninety-minute meeting.
In his opening remarks, Mohamad said ASEAN must intensify trust-building measures among the parties involved in the conflict and ensure continued dialogue, despite prevailing differences, stressing that regional stability remains a collective responsibility.
He added that ASEAN’s approach should be guided by lessons from the past and anchored in wisdom, solidarity and trust, which are values that have enabled the region to navigate periods of upheaval.
“ASEAN must do whatever is necessary to maintain regional peace and stability. Our goal goes beyond de-escalating tensions,” Mohamad said, adding “We must intensify trust-building among the conflicting parties and create space for dialogue despite prevailing differences.”
Border clashes between Thailand and Cambodia have continued, despite a ceasefire signed on July 28 and a joint declaration agreed on October 26, both in Kuala Lumpur.
Mohamad warned that further escalation could have broader consequences, saying “In a highly interconnected ASEAN and world, a security shock is an ASEAN matter and of global concern. This is why everyone must make the cessation of hostilities and peaceful resolution a top priority.”
